By: Associated Press//April 24, 2012//
CHILTON, Wis. (AP) — A man accused of helping beat another man to death at a Calumet County farm has pleaded no contest in a deal with prosecutors.
Thirty-year-old Robert Saurbeir of Manitowoc and 35-year-old James Loewe of Hilbert both faced charges of being a party to first-degree intentional homicide in connection with the March 2011 death of Joseph Baer. Prosecutors say they beat Baer at a Rantoul residence with a hammer, pipe, stick and chain.
Calumet County District Attorney Jerilyn M. Dietz said Saurbeir pleaded no contest on Monday to a reduced charge of first-degree reckless homicide.
Dietz said Loewe had agreed to testify against Saurbier at trial. He is scheduled to enter a plea next month.