REPORT: Man convicted of causing friend’s death in early 2024 will spend time in prison

LOWVILLE- The man convicted of causing his best friend’s death will spend time in prison.

Jacob Vanbergen was in Lewis County Court on Tuesday afternoon and received a sentence of 25-years behind bars, according to the latest from WWNY-TV.

In June, Jurors found him guilty of first-degree manslaughter in the strangulation death of Brandon Shepker.

The death occurred at the Ridge View Lodge in early January, 2024. The two were up visiting the Tug Hill region from the state of Pennsylvania.

Originally, authorities charged Vanbergen with murder, but the jury only condemned him for the manslaughter charge.

It is reported that Vanbergen has filed a notice of appeal.

Upon release, he will be under probation supervision for a period of five-years.

Lewis County Courthouse image.