David, left, and Robert Bintz (Photos source: Wisconsin Department of Corrections)
MADISON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A state panel met Monday to review David Bintz’s claim for more than $2 million after his conviction for the 1987 murder of Sandra Lison was overturned, but no decision was immediately released.
A decision on a similar claim by his brother, Robert Bintz, also has not been released.
The Bintzes were convicted in 2000 for Lison’s murder. DNA testing of another suspect, William Hendricks, led to their convictions being overturned in 2024.
The Wisconsin Claims Board is a five-member board that considers monetary claims against State of Wisconsin agencies. The maximum amount of compensation the state can give is $25,000, unless approved by the Legislature. David Bintz is seeking $2,159,328.45. Robert Bintz is seeking $2,153,698.20.
Both appeared before the board in July. David’s claim was deferred until today. “The Board’s conclusion on Robert Bintz’ claim for innocent convict compensation will be issued in a separate decision,” state notes from that meeting state.
The meeting started in open session, but was quickly adjourned into closed session. No additional testimony or argument was expected, and no open session afterwards for any vote or decision was listed, according to the agenda notice.
Lison was bartending at the Good Times Tavern in Green Bay on Aug. 2, 1987, and two days later she was found in the Machickanee Forest in Oconto County. She had been sexually assaulted and killed.
The Bintz brothers were at the tavern that night and were questioned by police in the initial investigation. David Bintz had reportedly had an argument with Lison after he believed she upcharged him for beer.
More than a decade later, while serving time for an unrelated crime, the cellmate of David Bintz told authorities Bintz admitted to Lison’s murder along with his brother.
Despite no physical evidence linking the brothers to the crime, they were convicted in 2000. But the brothers maintained their innocence.
In 2023, DNA testing pointed at Hendricks, a convicted rapist who died in 2000.
Lison’s body was found between the bar and where Hendricks lived. The test results led to the Bintz’s sentences being vacated. They were released from custody in September.
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