Formal charges of two counts of first-degree intentional homicide-use of a dangerous weapon have been filed against a 35-year-old Appleton man in connection with the deaths of a Manitowoc father and daughter last September. Karl Hess of Appleton remains jailed on $1-million dollars bail in the shooting deaths of Richard and Jocelyn Miller.
The complaint states that Hess and Richard were friends-admitting to authorities he was having significant financial difficulties. He also told police that he was aware that Mr. Miller kept a large amount of cash at his residence. On the night of September7th, the complaint says that Hess waited until Richard’s company left before entering the residence in the 3700 block of Dale street-concealing a 9mm semi-automatic handgun. Hess went into the bathroom, put on gloves, left, pointed the weapon at Mr. Miller and shot him twice in the head. He then said he heard a noise coming from Joceyln’s bedroom. He entered her room found her hiding under a comforter and despite her crying and saying “NO” Hess shot her once where he thought was her head. Hess then searched the residence and located a safe-taking it along with Richard’s wallet and Jocelyn’s cell phone to reduce the chance of getting caught. He fled on foot to his parked vehicle and left Manitowoc back to his home in Appleton. Both bodies were found September 9th by Manitowoc Police after family became concerned that they hadn’t heard from Jocelyn recently.
Police released a surveillance video which led them to Hess being a person of interest. On March 26th Detectives located Hess’s vehicle at an Appleton Auto Shop matching the one in the video. An interview commenced at his residence and eventually, he was taken into custody without incident. Hess was due in Manitowoc County Circuit Court for an initial appearance this afternoon and faces life in prison if convicted.
