APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Another competency exam was ordered Tuesday for a man awaiting sentencing for killing his grandparents.
Alexander Kraus, 19, previously guilty to two counts of first-degree intentional homicide for shooting Dennis and Letha Kraus on April 14, 2019, at their Grand Chute home.
A jury determined while Kraus suffered from a mental disease or defect, he could have still had the capacity to appreciate his actions were wrong and could have conformed to the law. He faces two automatic life sentences, with a judge to determine if or when Kraus will be eligible for parole.
After the verdict and before sentencing, however, Kraus’ attorneys said his mental condition had deteriorated, and another psychiatric review was ordered. Kraus was found not competent to proceed, meaning he couldn’t understand the proceedings and/or assist in his own defense. Since then, the criminal case has been hold.
A recent competency exam was incomplete for several reasons, defense attorney Britteny Koenig said Tuesday. She noted the examiner did not review all of the available records, did not interview certain people, or review other aspects of Kraus’ history.
Noting the law allows the defense to request another exam, Judge Mitchell Metropulos ordered one.
A date to review those results will be set after the report is completed.
