A Manitowoc County jury has found a 37-year-old Appleton man guilty of killing a Manitowoc father and daughter.
The trial for Karl Hess started on Tuesday and wrapped up yesterday with Hess taking the stand. Hess admitted to killing Richard Miller but claimed that he did so in self-defense after he discovered that Richard had killed his daughter Jocelyn.
Hess testified that he and Miller were friends, and went to his home on September 7th, 2018 to talk about a business proposition that Miller presented to him that made him upset. Hess admitted to bringing a gun to the confrontation, saying he stashed the weapon in a bathroom and went outside for a few moments.
When he returned he claimed he couldn’t find the weapon, and heard two gunshots. He claimed to have remained in the bathroom for a short time, and when he emerged found Miller lying on the couch with the gun at his feet. Hess claimed to then find Jocelyn dead in her bed, so he shot and killed Richard.
He also said he lied to police when they arrested him, confessing to the murder because he believed the investigators would uncover the truth in their investigation.
The jury did not believe his version of events and found him guilty on two counts of 1st Degree Intentional Homicide. His sentencing will take place on August 13th.
