Courtland Clark, Robert Beaver, and Devery Hibbler, Murder and Interference with Commerce, Iowa 2011

In a shocking turn of events, the men responsible for Tony ‘T-Bone’ Canfield’s death have finally faced justice. Courtland Clark, age 26, from Flowery Branch, Georgia, Robert Beaver, age 35, from Sioux City, Iowa, and Devery Hibbler, age 26, from Dumas, Arkansas, pleaded guilty today in federal court in Sioux City, Iowa.

The three defendants were convicted of one count of interference with commerce by robbery, a federal offense. In addition, Clark and Hibbler also pleaded guilty to one count of use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence causing death.

The evidence at the change of plea hearings revealed that on May 1, 2011, at around 11:00 pm, the three men, armed with a single loaded handgun, entered Canfield’s home in Sioux City, Iowa, to rob him of his marijuana and proceeds. Beaver held Canfield’s wife while Clark and Hibbler struggled with and physically robbed Canfield. Canfield resisted his attackers and attempted to escape, but was shot and killed on his front porch by Hibbler.

The three defendants escaped the crime scene and successfully concealed their crimes for nearly five years. They were charged in a Superseding Indictment on April 19, 2016.

According to the United States Attorney, Kevin Techau, the case is a fine example of persistence and cooperation between the Sioux City Police Department, Woodbury County Attorney’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Despite numerous obstacles, the agencies worked tirelessly to solve the murder and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a cooperative local, state, and federal program aimed at enhancing the prosecution of gun crimes. Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Clark, Hibbler, and Beaver remain in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.

Pursuant to plea agreements, Hibbler has agreed to serve 35 years in federal prison without the possibility of parole or the right to appeal his conviction. Beaver has agreed to serve 20 years in federal prison without the possibility of parole or the right to appeal his conviction. Clark faced up to life in prison without the possibility of parole, fines of up to $500,000.00, $200.00 in special assessments, and up to five years of supervised release following any imprisonment.

The case was investigated by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation, Sioux City Iowa Police Department, and the Woodbury County Attorney’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.

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