KWWL reports the medical examiner could not determine which of the wounds were fatal or which direction Tibbetts was facing when she was attacked. However, as reported by the Des Moines Register, one of the wounds, which penetrated Tibbetts skull, was severe enough to have ended her life. Klein said another wound, which was in her hand, could have been a defensive wound — which would suggest she was attempting to fight back against the attack.
When Mollie Tibbetts’ body was found, she was wearing black socks, running shoes, and a pink sports bra. As reported by The U.S. Sun, her black shorts, underwear, and what was presumed to be a headband, were found just over 30 feet away from Tibbetts’ remains. Although prosecutors suggested Cristhian Bahena Rivera may have removed Tibbetts’ clothing with plans to sexually assault her, their primary focus was proving Rivera was guilty of the abduction and murder.
According to NPR, Rivera was ultimately convicted of first-degree murder in Tibbetts’ death. As Iowa does not have the death penalty, Rivera was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Although his defense team asked for a new trial based on Rivera’s contention that others were involved, the judge denied the motion. Rivera is currently housed at the Iowa State Penitentiary in Poweshiek County, according to the Iowa Department of Corrections.
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