By David Lohr

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March 12, 2007

JANESVILLE, Wis. (Crime Library) —  Sheriff Robert Spoden issued a press release last week, notifying the public that his department had completed its investigation into the Januarymurders of Danyetta Lentz, 38, and her two children, Nicole, 17, and Scott, 14.

"As has been the case since his arrest, James Koepp remains the sole suspect in these three murders," Spoden said in the release.  "This case has now been turned over to the district attorney's office for further action.... The department's entire investigative file, including over 1,000 pages of investigative reports, 386 photographs and other miscellaneous items have been compiled and forwarded to the Rock County District Attorney's Office."

According to Spoden, his department had sent nearly 150 pieces of evidence to the crime lab, along with 30 DNA samples that were voluntarily collected from anyone who had reason to be in the Lentz home prior to the triple homicide.  Due to the urgency of the case, the lab assigned one full time crime labtechnician to examine the case evidence.  Officials have not yet commented on any of the test results. 

"Because this is a pending criminal matter, we are unable to comment on the results of any crime laboratory analysis, as we do not wish to prejudice any future criminal case by discussing matters of evidence," the sheriff's release said.

Spoden said that, unless they received new information, his department would no longer be investigating the case.

"... Our belief is that we have the sole and only suspect.  For our end of it, our investigation is complete.  In my 20 years experience in law enforcement, this has been the most thorough, complete investigation I've seen. It's been a credit to our officers in their effort to bring justice for these three people."

Rock County District Attorney David O'Leary is refusing to comment on the case. 

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Contact  David Lohr at           crimewriter74@hughes.net

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Relative Finds the Bodies of Danyetta Lentz and Her Two Children

Documents:
1986 Appeal
1997 Appeal

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