Opening arguments complete in triple murder trial
Koepp murder trial
JANESVILLE — Opening arguments in the James Koepp murder trial have been completed.
Koepp is accused of killing Danyetta Lentz, 38, and her children, Nicole, 17, and Scott, 14 in January 2007.
The prosecution said the evidence will show how Koepp murdered the Lentz family. District Attorney David O’Leary said forensic evidence will show both Danyetta and Nicole Lentz put up a fight to save their lives.
But the defense said Koepp did not commit the murders. Defense attorney Walter Isaacson said Koepp had a very short relationship with Danyetta Lentz. He said Koepp was in the Lentz home the night the murders occurred but left before the family was killed. He said the Lentzes were brutally murdered later that night or early the next morning during or after a robbery.
The trial before Judge Alan Bates continues today and is scheduled to last two weeks. Witnesses, including Danyetta Lentz’s father, Russell, are expected to be called this afternoon.
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Jan 26, 2010 at 9:21 p.m.
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If memory serves me correct-the statement "I didn't mean to kill anyone" was made as he was apprehended after the police pursuit involving his van-so it potentially could have been said as a reference to the risk he put other drivers in. Secondly, he was there according to the phone conversation Nicole was having with her boyfriend to tell the family he had seen someone running from the trailer earlier that day-if he made that up he deserves an A+ for creativity. Thirdly, I can not speak to his relationship with Dani-but we do know that she trusted him enough to fix a window that had been broken during a previous break-in-did we ever find out who did that? I don't know if Koepp did it or not-there are a lot of reasons to make us believe he was capable but there are also things that don't add up. He deserves a fair trial-although if he is guilty I really wish he would do the right thing and admit it and save our county thousands of dollars. I just want to see justice-but how do we really know what that is when there is other DNA found at the scene. Everything about this story breaks my heart-I pray for justice for the Lentz family-they deserve at least that!
Jan 26, 2010 at 8:10 p.m.
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I hate liars! Dani did NOT have an affair with him. She is not that type of person, and she would have never dated a married man, ever! She is the best mom in the world, and would give you the shirt off her back if she thought you needed it. I am proud to have worked with her, & know her family for over 10 years. Rest gently Sweet Angels!!!
Jan 26, 2010 at 4:53 p.m.
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He is presumed innocent because that is a bedrock principle of American law, descending from English law dating back some seven centuries to the Magna Carta. Even if the victim makes an incriminating statement, it is still subject to cross-examination by the witness.
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