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Trial continues in 2008 Wisconsin Rapids killing

By: Associated Press//October 23, 2014//

Trial continues in 2008 Wisconsin Rapids killing

By: Associated Press//October 23, 2014//

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WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. (AP) — The trial for a Wisconsin Rapids man accused in a shooting death continued Wednesday with video footage from a 7-year-old police interview.

Joseph Reinwand, 55, is charged with first-degree intentional homicide in the death of Dale Meister. The Wisconsin Rapids man was found dead in his home on March 4, 2008.

Meister, 35, had previously told several people that he was afraid Reinwand would try to kill him, according to court documents. Meister and Reinwand’s daughter had a child together and were in the midst of a custody dispute.

In the interview with police, Reinwand said he didn’t remember shooting Meister, but didn’t deny that he did, Daily Tribune Media reported. He also said he didn’t remember any of the arguments that people said he had with Meister.

“I don’t remember us even arguing,” Reinwand said in the video. “The only cross words I ever had with him was when he wouldn’t say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ to (Reinwand’s oldest granddaughter).”

During the investigation, police said they found a piece of handgrip under the front seat of Reinwand’s pickup and a bullet in his garage. William Newhouse, retired firearms and tool markings expert from the Wisconsin State Crime Lab, testified Wednesday that the evidence was consistent with the Jennings handgun used to shoot Meister.

Reinwand said during the recorded interview that he didn’t remember owning the Jennings handgun that his son and daughter described to police. But he said he must have had it if his children said so.

Reinwand also told the two detectives interviewing him that he didn’t want to be released from jail because he was worried he might hurt someone else and not remember it.

Wednesday was the third day of what is expected to be a 10-day trial for Reinwand.

Information from: Daily Tribune Media, http://www.wisconsinrapidstribune.com

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