GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A week before James Prokopovitz is scheduled to go on trial for allegedly killing his wife – even though her body has never been found – prosecutors added more charges against him.
Victoria Prokopovitz disappeared in 2013. James Prokopovitz was charged with her murder in May 2019.
Prokopovitz already faces four charges: first-degree intentional homicide, obstruction, perjury and conspiracy to commit perjury. The perjury counts related to testimony at secret John Doe hearing, which was used as an investigative tool in the case. The two additional counts are additional perjury counts from the same hearing.
Prokopovitz pleaded not guilty Friday to the two new counts.
Jury selection is scheduled to start next Friday. Opening statements for the trial, which is scheduled to last two weeks, would be Feb. 15.
Judge Timothy Hinkfuss said a total of 15 jurors will be selected to hear the case, as a protection against losing jurors for health reasons. At the conclusion of the trial, 12 will be selected to deliberate.
James Prokopovitz was the last person to see his wife on April 25th, 2013. Investigators say Victoria was reported missing, but her purse, cell phone and ID were all at her home in Pittsfield.
Also charged in case was Prokopovitz’ girlfriend, Kathryn Friday. However, she died before she could be sentenced for lying to a John Doe hearing called during the investigation.
