MARINETTE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Raymand Vannieuwenhoven was convicted Tuesday of killing a couple in 1976.
Vannieuwenhoven, 84, was charged with two counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of David Schuldes, 25, and Ellen Matheys, 24, at McClintock Park in 1976.
Sentencing was scheduled for Aug. 26.
While the counts carry life prison terms, Judge James Morrison noted Tuesday that the sentencing rules were different in 1976, and he asked attorneys from both sides to offer briefs outlining opinions on how the sentencing should proceed.
The trial started July 19, with testimony wrapping up Monday. Vannieuwenhoven did not testify. Closing arguments were made Tuesday morning.
The murders of Schuldes and Matheys were unsolved for more than four decades. In 2019, a DNA sample from evidence at the crime scene was determined to be from a particular family. After samples tested from Vannieuwenhoven’s brothers weren’t a match, a sample from him — obtained from a licked envelope for a survey on police performance filled out by Raymand — was a match, according to the complaint.
Vannieuwenhoven also allegedly sexually assaulted Matheys. DNA from evidence from the assault was eventually used to tie him to the crime scene. However, the sexual assault charge was dismissed because the statute of limitations has expired. There is no statute of limitation on homicide charge.
An appeal is likely in the case. Before the trial, the defense attempted to have evidence introduced allowing it point the finger at two other possible suspects in the case. Those motions were denied but could be renewed on appeal.
Comments