OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) – A man charged with trying to kill two law enforcement officers late last year was convicted, but then found not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect.
Court records indicate that 58-year-old Richard Klemz was committed to a mental health facility for 80 years. Klemz also wrote letters of apology to the officers involved.
The charges against Klemz stems from a December 10 incident, which led to officers shooting him outside the Algoma town hall near Oshkosh. Officials say that it began when Klemz threatened to hurt himself and used a knife and hammer to damage property.
Klemz’s plea hearing was scheduled for Friday, but during a hearing last week Klemz entered an Alford plea to the two counts of attempted first-degree intentional homicide. An Alford plea means he maintains his innocence but acknowledges the state has enough evidence to convict him.
After reviewing psychological reports, Winnebago County Judge John Jorgensen declared Klemz not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect at a hearing on September 28. Klemz was committed to a mental health facility for 40 years for each attempted homicide count.
Four other charges were dismissed by Jorgensen.
While Klemz’ attorney previously said he suffered from amnesia, Klemz described his mental condition more in apology letters written to Oshkosh Police Officer Robert Kraemer and Winnebago County Sheriff’s Deputy Kyle Schoonover.
“I don’t remember anything about that day, or the 4 days prior to that day. I have been suffering severe and persistence depression for a long time, I hope you and your dog were not hurt,” Klemz’s handwritten note to Schoonover says. “Even now after all this time and seeing the video, nothing has triggered any memeries (sic) of that day… I just want to put this all behind me and get the mental help I need.”
In the letter to Kraemer, Klemz said he had been seeking help for months.
“I hope you can accept my apology,” he wrote.
