APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A teen pleaded guilty Monday to killing his grandparents, but a trial will be held to determine if should be held responsible for the murders due to his mental condition at the time of the deaths.
Alexander Kraus, 18, pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree intentional homicide for shooting Dennis and Letha Kraus on April 14, 2019, at their Grand Chute home.
Kraus maintained his not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect plea. That means a jury will decide if he had a mental disease, and, if so, if he lacked the capacity to conform his behavior to the law. If a jury determines he meets those conditions, he would be committed to a psychiatric facility. If a jury determines he did not, he would face two life prison terms.
That five-day trial was scheduled for Nov. 16 at Monday’s hearing.
The parties appeared by video conference due to court rules limiting in-person appearances.
According to the criminal complaint, Kraus admitted to shooting his grandparents but a motive was not disclosed.
