APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The psychiatric trial for a teen who killed his grandparents has been delayed from Nov. 16 to June 7, due to concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic.
Alexander Kraus, 18, pleaded guilty in June to two counts of first-degree intentional homicide for shooting Dennis and Letha Kraus on April 14, 2019, at their Grand Chute home.
Because he had pleaded not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect, a trial on Kraus’ mental condition will be held. That means a jury will decide if Kraus had a mental disease, and, if so, if he lacked the capacity to conform his behavior to the law. If a jury determines he meets those conditions, he would be committed to a psychiatric facility. If a jury determines he did not, he would face two life prison terms. The jury is not deciding guilt or innocence due to previous guilty plea.
The trial had been set for Nov. 16, but in court Monday, defense attorney Greg Petit raised concerns about the health of everyone involved, should the case proceed. District Attorney Melinda Tempelis and Judge Mitchell Metropulos agreed, and the trial was rescheduled.
The parties return to court Dec. 11 for a motions hearing.
According to the criminal complaint, Kraus admitted to shooting his grandparents but a motive was not disclosed. During the investigation, police found “several pages containing Alexander’s typed out plans for killing his grandparents.”
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