APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Alexander Kraus is competent to stand trial for allegedly killing his grandparents, but prosecutors are challenging a determination supporting an insanity plea for the murders.
Kraus, 17, faces two counts of first-degree intentional homicide for the April 14 deaths of Dennis and Letha Kraus at their Grand Chute home.
Kraus was ruled mentally competent to stand trial by a judge Monday, according to the Outagamie County District Attorney’s office. That means Kraus is able to understand the court proceedings and assist in his own defense.
However, a separate psychiatric evaluation determined that a plea of not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect was substantiated. Prosecutors are challenging that finding, however, so another evaluation will be performed, the district attorney’s office said.
The so-called insanity plea means the defense contends that at the time of the alleged crime he was unable to discern right from wrong.
If the case goes to trial, a jury would first determine if Kraus is guilty, and, if so, then determine if he should be held responsible for his actions. If Kraus is held mentally responsible, he faces mandatory life prison terms. If not, he would be committed for psychiatric treatment.
The results of the second review are scheduled to be discussed at a December 3rd, court records show.
No trial date has been scheduled.
According to the criminal complaint, Kraus admitted to shooting his grandparents but a motive was not disclosed.
