Sebastin O'Brien, the 23-year-old Little Sioux man who was found guilty of first-degree murder in the killing of Douglas Manley last April, was sentenced to life in prison April 1.
This had marked the first guilty murder verdict in Harrison County since the 2020 killing of Caleb Solberg of Moorhead by Kristofer Erlbacher of Woodbine.
O'Brien had been arrested and charged with the killing of Manley, of Missouri Valley, last April. Following a vehicle rollover south of Modale that involved O'Brien, an investigation was conducted and it was found that he was not the owner of the vehicle.
From there, Harrison County deputies found the owner, later identified as Manley, deceased inside his residence in rural Harrison County.
Shortly thereafter, his death was ruled as a homicide due to blunt force trauma.
“During the trial, it was established that Mr. Manley, who generously provided shelter to Mr. O'Brien during a time of need, fell victim to a brutal and prolonged attack while assisting with moving furniture,” County Attorney Sarah Delanty said following the guilty verdict. “Evidence and testimony confirmed that Mr. O'Brien became violently upset, knocking Mr. Manley to the floor and beating him to death with at least two boards. Notably, Mr. O'Brien sustained no injuries during the assault.”
According to court records, O'Brien is also ordered to pay $168,427.30 in restitution. He has no opportunity for parole.
