Wisconsin man sentenced to life for killing step-grandfather, injuring 2 others with ax
01/05/2023 12:07 pm PST
SPARTA, Wis. (TCD) -- A 38-year-old man was recently sentenced to life without the possibility of extended supervision for killing his step-grandfather and injuring two others with an ax.
According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Thomas Aspseter previously lived in a home with Bernard Waite and Waite’s wife, who is also Aspseter’s grandmother. On June 6, 2021, Aspseter reportedly broke into the home and was asked to leave.
The Sheriff’s Office said Aspseter fatally attacked Bernard Waite with an ax, and also attacked Bernard’s brother, 76-year-old Michael Waite, and Michael’s wife, Margaret Waite, 73. Michael suffered severe injuries and was transported to a hospital to treat his injuries.
Aspseter suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound and also had to be hospitalized, WXOW-TV reports.
Aspseter was initially charged with first-degree intentional homicide, two counts of attempted first-degree homicide, and three counts of aggravated battery with the use of a dangerous weapon, the Sheriff’s Office said.
In September 2022, Aspseter was convicted on charges of first-degree intentional homicide, two counts of attempted first-degree intentional homicide, and two counts of aggravated battery.
According to WXOW, during the trial, Aspseter said his life was in danger and that his step-grandfather attacked him first. However, it took the jury three hours to deliver the guilty verdict.
In addition to the life sentence, Aspseter was also reportedly given 60 years each on the two attempted homicide charges.
In a statement obtained by WXOW, Monroe County Assistant District Attorney Sarah Skiles said, "We are grateful for today’s sentence. The victims in this case have suffered immensely. The sentence takes their suffering into account and ensures the defendant is not and will not be a threat to public safety."
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