Convicted murderer wants new trial

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LA CROSSE, Wis. (AP) — A Minnesota man sentenced to life in prison for killing the owner of a Wisconsin camera store and his teenage son has requested a new trial.

Jeffrey Lepsch, 41, of Dakota filed a motion in La Crosse County Circuit Court claiming nine of the 12 jurors believed he was guilty before his July 2013 trial, the La Crosse Tribune reported.

Lepsch was convicted of killing Paul Petras and his 19-year-old son A.J. at May’s Photo in downtown La Crosse. He then stole 27 pieces of camera equipment worth $17,000.

Investigators were able to track Lepsch through surveillance video and cellphone and vehicle records. They also traced the stolen merchandise, some of which he had sold on the Internet. The rest of the equipment was found in his home and minivan.

The jury of seven men and five women deliberated for four hours after a six-day trial. Jurors found Lepsch guilty of two counts of first-degree intentional homicide, armed robbery with use of force and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

A hearing on the motion hasn’t been set. If the judge denies him a new trial, Lepsch can take his case to the District 4 Court of Appeals.

Information from: La Crosse Tribune, http://www.lacrossetribune.com