James Krauseneck, formerly of Brighton, has been found guilty of 2nd degree murder in the death of his wife 40 years ago. Cathleen Krauseneck was bludgeoned to death with an ax while in bed at her Brighton home in 1982.
The jury deliberated all day Friday, and briefly on Monday before returning a guilty verdict. Prosecutor Patrick Gallagher said there was no other way the jury could have interpreted the evidence. Defense Attorney Michael Wolford predicted the case will be quickly reversed on appeal, and there was no justification to indict Krauseneck 37 years after the crime. Krauseneck was indicted in 2019 after a review of the evidence using modern forensic technology.
Cathy Krauseneck’s sister and father left the courtroom saying they had achieved justice for Cathy at last. Her father, Robert Schlossleer, said he’s having her body moved from the Krauseneck plot in Michigan back to a family plot at his farm.