SHEBOYGAN, WI (WHBL) - Sheboygan County Circuit Court Judge Terrence Bourke has found Dorian Torres guilty of first degree intentional homicide for the death of his father. Following four days of testimony and arguments, Bourke reached his verdict in the bench trial Friday.
He said the evidence, including the 19 year old's own testimony, showed Dorian was the one responsible for the beating death of 41-year-old Emilio Torres at the apartment the two shared in January of 2014.
The defense tried to present a case where Dorian acted in self defense or was provoked to act out due to what was described as Emilio’s physical disciplining of his son. Judge Bourke ruled that out, noting Dorian’s actions before, during and after Emilio’s death.
This included his breaking of rules set by Emilio, wrapping up his father and leaving him in his bedroom before Sheboygan Police found it roughly six days later, and using Emilio’s car and bank account for personal matters.
In response to the verdict, District Attorney Joe DeCecco gave credit to the Sheboygan Police Department for gathering the evidence that helped their case to convict Dorian. He added he does expect appeals in the case.
Neither defense attorney Raj Kumar Singh nor members of the Torres family wanted to speak to the media following the verdict.
Dorian now faces a mandatory life sentence, and Judge Bourke will decide if he will be eligible for extended supervision after at least 20 years in prison when sentencing is held within the next five weeks. The sentencing date will be set on Monday, and it will take place before Judge Bourke retires from the bench July 31.