Man convicted in camera store homicides appeals
Published 10:45 am Monday, February 16, 2015
LA CROSSE, Wis. — The man convicted of killing the owner of a La Crosse camera store and his teenage son has filed an appeal.
Jeffrey Lepsch wants the appeals court to overturn his convictions for fatally shooting Paul Petras and 19-year-old A.J. Petras at May’s Photo in September 2012. Lepsch, from Dakota, Minnesota, stole about $17,000 worth of camera equipment after shooting the two. He’s serving consecutive life terms without the possibility of release.
Lepsch argues in his appeal that nine of the 12 jurors either believed he was guilty before they heard the case. Lepsch also argues that his rights were violated when the clerk of court read an oath to jurors because he wasn’t present. A circuit judge denied his request for a new trial in November.