Vanbergen murder trial continues in Lewis County Court

LOWVILLE- The Jacob Vanbergen murder trial continued Monday in Lewis County Court, where testimonies were given by family members of Brandon Shepker, who was allegedly strangled to death by Vanbergen in early January, 2024.

Vanbergen and Shepker were both visiting the Tug Hill region from the state of Pennsylvania when they got into an altercation at the Ridge View Lodge.

According to the latest updates from WWNY-TV, the court learned on Monday that there may have been a domestic partnership agreement between Shepker and Vanbergen, however; its validity remains unknown.

Brian Shepker, the brother of Brandon, verified his mother’s testimony in court, Diane, claiming when Vanbergen revealed the domestic partnership agreement, it apparently wasn’t notarized and he told Vanbergen that it wasn’t worth the paper it was written on.

In response, it is reported that Vanbergen’s defense team claimed that Shepker’s mother’s testimony was different when compared to other statements issued to police throughout the investigation.

Diane testified in Court that her son, Brian, had been in contact with Vanbergen in order to access Brandon’s house, however; despite getting the code to the house, she went on to claim that Vanbergen said he was instructed to never give anyone the keys.

She also testified how her son’s shop safe was open and a few thousand dollars were missing.

Vanbergen and Shepker were described as being good friends, as Vanbergen also worked for Shepker.

The trial is scheduled to continue on Tuesday in Lewis County court.

Lewis County Courthouse image.