(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Mark Jensen is no longer a convicted felon. He is not a convicted murderer, as was his status for the last 14 years. Having been heard in every court of this state and nation, Mark Jensen’s murder conviction was overturned. After the judgement was overturned, Kenosha Judge Chad Kerkman (D) did something that no judge has done before in Kenosha – he found Jensen guilty without a trial. Kerkman knew he would be overturned, but wanted to buy some time for the prosecution. Last year, the Wisconsin Supreme Court overturned Kerkman’s judgement of guilt. Just last week, the U.S. Supreme Court let stand the overturned status. Jensen will get another trial.
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Today in court, three defense attorneys appeared on Jensen’s behalf, and Jensen himself, who seemed upbeat. Walworth County Local Attorney Manager Mackenzie Renner, Deputy Trial Division Director Bridget Krause and Regional Attorney Manager Jeremy Perri of the Jefferson County Office – all of the Wisconsin State Public Defender’s office are representing Jensen for his next trial. Appearing for the state was former Kenosha DA Bob Jambois as a special prosecutor. He tried Jensen’s first trial in 2008. Jensen is accused of killing his wife on December 3, 1998 but wasn’t charged until 2002 when the Kenosha DA’s office felt there was enough evidence. At the center of Jensen’s appeal is the fact that the Jury saw a letter written by Julie Jensen and listened to voicemails she left for police. This violated Jensen’s right to confrontation, that is, his lawyers couldn’t cross-examine Julie – she passed away from toxic levels of ethylene glycol (anti-freeze). Jensen went to trial in 2008 and was convicted on February 21, 2008, sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
The topic today was not only setting a date for a jury trial, but scheduling a day and time to hear up to 16 pre-trial motions. Judge Anthony Milisauskas gave both sides 30 days to decide which motions they want to be heard and 60 days to respond to the other side. The motion hearing will occur on November 21 and November 22, 2022. The trial is scheduled to begin on January 9, 2023 at 8:30am.
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
5 Responses
The actions of Judge Kerkman appear to be very unethical, (to find someone guilty without trial). It also seems there should be some consequences for intentionally doing so.
I think we all need to acquaint ourselves with how to recall elected officials. Especially in this age or monied special interests corrupting the electoral process.
JNOV-judgment not withstanding the verdict. It’s a type of judgment as a matter of law. The judge has the right to do this. And it’s not unethical at all. It’s what the judge should’ve done in OJ’s case. The judge has the power to do that if they feel the jury got it wrong.
Judge Kerkman is a hero the way i see it. just when i think kenosha county eye (kevin) has exposed the scummiest creepiest being- he uncovers more. just blows my mind that this murderer was to be turned loose had it not been for a smart judge.
stay tuned- this will be interesting. (and that picture kevin took-it is bone chilling- those eyes- this man exudes evil)
He’s been found not guilty by all the courts and this judge who you deem a hero says he is guilty just so they can find evidence that they couldn’t find in the past 20+ years? That judge is no hero.