APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A trial started today to determine if Alexander Kraus should be held responsible for the murders of his grandparents.
Kraus, 19, previously pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree intentional homicide for shooting Dennis and Letha Kraus on April 14, 2019, at their Grand Chute home.
Kraus maintained his not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect plea. That means a jury will decide if he 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.
In court today, Judge Mitchell Metropulos and the attorneys were reviewing logistical and legal matters before the jury is selected.
A total of 30 jurors will be seated, with each side striking eight, leaving a panel of 14 to hear the case. The jury would be reduced to 12 when deliberations begin.
The trial is scheduled to last all week.
According to the criminal complaint, Kraus admitted to shooting his grandparents but a motive was not disclosed.
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