By David Lohr

advertisement

January 22, 2007

JANESVILLE, Wis. (Crime Library) —  According to a release by Rock County District Attorney David O'Leary, there is insufficient evidence to charge James Koepp, 47, with murder in the deaths of Danyetta Lentz, 38, and her two children Nicole, 17, and Scott, 14.

"The Rock County District Attorney has reviewed the Rock County Sheriff's investigative reports relating to the deaths of Danyetta, Nicole and Scott Lentz, which occurred on January 11, 2007.  Based upon the investigative reports, based upon a discussion with the analyst assigned the case from the State Crime Laboratory and based upon a discussion with Dr. Stier, the pathologist who conducted the autopsies, the Rock County District Attorney will not be filing criminal charges concerning the deaths at this time.  Currently there is insufficient evidence to meet the criminal burden of proof."

Following the release by the district attorney's office, the Rock County Sheriff's Department issued their own press release, defending its actions.

For Immediate Release: Issued 01/19/2007

Contact: Robert D. Spoden, Rock County Sheriff

"On today's date, the Rock County Sheriff's Department made the right decision to arrest James C. Koepp in this investigation.  That decision was made with the concurrence of the District Attorney.  Probable cause that existed to arrest Mr. Koepp included his presence at the crime scene at the time we believe the murders occurred, incriminating statements made by Mr. Koepp to law enforcement and others, untruthful statements made by Mr. Koepp to investigators, a very telling timeline as to when the crime was committed, Mr. Koepp's personal relationship with one of the victims, his flight from law enforcement after he failed to appear for a voluntary interview, his stated intent to leave the area and the fact that Mr. Koepp's violent criminal history reflects previous criminal acts that involve the use of a knife and threats to kill his victims."

Next Page

Contact  David Lohr at           crimewriter74@hughes.net

James C. Koepp Arrested in Wisconsin Triple Homicide

Relative Finds the Bodies of Danyetta Lentz and Her Two Children

Documents:
1986 Appeal
1997 Appeal

For more daily crime news