Suspect arrested in triple homicide

By GAZETTE STAFF Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2007

A suspect is in custody in the case of the triple slaying of a local family. The Rock County Sheriff's Department identified James C. Koepp, 47, a neighbor of the slain Lentz family, as the suspect.

Koepp's address is listed as Lot 69 in the Janesville Terrace mobile home park, 3315 S. Highway 51. The victims—Danyetta, Nicole and Scott Lentz—lived at Lot 37.

Investigators believe Koepp is the sole perpetrator.

Koepp was arrested after a chase Tuesday night. The chase took place on several roads south of Janesville, including Highway 51 near Janesville Terrace.

Online court records indicate Koepp was found guilty of four counts of second-degree sexual assault in Dane County Court in 1983.

Sheriff Bob Spoden said he informed Danyetta's family of the news this afternoon before announcing it to the news media.

Spoden said Koepp was developed as a person of interest in the case before the chase. He was arrested on charges of operating while intoxicated, knowingly fleeing an officer and recklessly endangering safety.

Spoden did not say during the press conference what specific charges Koepp is being held on in connection with the homicide, although he said he was arrested on charges related to the homicide.

Spoden said he was reluctant to release information about the case because it could jeopardize the investigation.

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