IDAHO FALLS, ID – An Idaho man received a sentence ranging from 45 years to life in prison for the murder of a man he alleged had bullied him on social media, according to court records. The perpetrator, Mark Bent, shot the victim, Nikolas Bird, 17 times in front of Bird’s home in September 2023.
Bent, 43, was convicted of first-degree murder and a firearm enhancement last December. He claimed the violence was a result of ongoing harassment he experienced online, linked to false allegations that he was working undercover as a police officer. Prosecutors noted that Bent detailed his grievances and the motive behind the killing in a post on Facebook shortly after the incident.
Following the shooting, Bent expressed remorse online, writing, “I am saddened to say that I have committed some serious crimes today,” according to court documents. He described being harassed after relocating to Idaho, stemming from incorrect rumors about his occupational background. Despite efforts to clarify the misunderstanding, Bent claimed the harassment continued, leading to him feeling threatened.
During the trial, it was revealed that Bent had been part of a local Facebook group and a car club. Tensions emerged, he said, after leaving the club, leading to the spread of the unfounded rumor that he was an undercover officer.
Prosecutors presented evidence suggesting Bent had long considered the murder. Bent admitted to having murderous thoughts directed at Bird, blaming him for initiating the rumors and sharing personal information online.
In court, Bonneville County Prosecutor Randy Neal highlighted the brutality of the crime, symbolically repeating the word “bang” 17 times to match the number of shots fired. The sentencing brought emotional statements from Bird’s family, who described the deep void left by his death.
Tara Withers, Bird’s mother, expressed profound loss, saying, “Nikolas loved with every fiber of his being.” She emphasized the future experiences her son would never have due to Bent’s actions.
Bird’s father, Todd Bird, spoke of the daily struggle since the murder, remarking, “Nik’s laughter and warm presence” are now missing from their lives. The family described an ongoing battle with sadness and longing.
The judge’s sentence ensures Bent will spend a significant portion of his life behind bars, providing some closure for Bird’s family while emphasizing the severe consequences of personal vendettas escalating into violence.