SHEBOYGAN, WI (WHBL) - Judge James Bolgert told the jury hearing a reckless homicide case Wednesday that barring unforseen developments, they could have the case by early Thursday afternoon. 23 year old Michael Lemerande of Oshkosh is on trial in the death of 43 year old Nicholas Lehrke of Sheboygan.
The jury on Wednesday morning heard detailed testimony from Sheboygan police officers about their response and investigation on January 19th when they were called to the fatal stabbing on South 12th Street. The jury was shown the blood stained knife used in the stabbing and the blood soaked shirt which Lehrke was wearing when he was stabbed in the lower back.
One person who testified during the afternoon was Dr. Mark Witeck, who performed the autopsy on Lehrke. He described to the jury that the knife entered his back, and would go through his diaphram, liver and right lung. Also testifying yesterday was the emergency room doctor who tried to keep Lehrke alive, and three members of the Sheboygan Police Department who assisted with the investigation.
The prosecution will call their last witnesses this morning, and then the defense will call their witnesses that may include Lemerande. Closing statements and jury deliberation could begin this afternoon.