Jury convicts Pewaukee woman of poisoning family friend with Visine eye drops

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A Waukesha County jury found Jessy Kurczewski guilty of first-degree intentional homicide and two counts of theft in the 2018 murder of Pewaukee native, Lynn Hernan.

Prosecutors said they are satisfied with the verdict, expressing their heartfelt condolences to Hernan and those who continue to grieve her tragic murder.

“The verdict today is a step toward closure for those who grieve for Lynn, and it sends a clear message to the community that our society will not tolerate the intentional act of taking someone’s life,” Deputy District Attorney Abbey Nickolie said.

The District Attorney’s Office worked alongside investigators with the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department.

The case highlighted the financial vulnerability of Hernan. The state alleged the defendant preyed on someone she claimed was a long-time friend.

“We are grateful the jury delivered a verdict that brings justice to an unjustly murder. We thank the men and women on this jury who acted as the voice of justice, upholding the principle of our legal system,” officials said.

According to Waukesha County officials, Kurczewski will be sentenced December 7, 2023. First degree intentional homicide requires a mandatory life sentence. An additional 10 years imprisonment is possible for each count of theft.