In Pewaukee, Wisconsin, the courtroom of Judge Jennifer Dorow saw the trial of Jessy Kurczewski for the intentional homicide of Lynn Hernan, along with two counts of felony theft for stealing from Hernan — someone who had considered Kurczewski a beloved friend. Five years prior, Kurczewski had discovered Hernan dead in her recliner, as she had been caring for Hernan, who had serious medical issues.
During the trial, prosecutors Deputy District Attorney Abbey Nickolie and Assistant District Attorneys J.J. Crawford and Randy Sitzberger presented compelling evidence. Sitzberger characterized the case as a murder fueled by greed and lies, detailing how Kurczewski had stolen over $144,000 from Hernan while she was alive. The prosecution contended that Kurczewski had poisoned Hernan with Visine eye drops, ultimately causing her death.
The defense, on the other hand, portrayed Kurczewski as a loyal friend who took care of Hernan, highlighting the close relationship between the two women. They suggested that Hernan’s declining health and depression led her to take her own life by ingesting the eye drops. The defense attorneys, Pablo Galaviz and Donna Kuchler, emphasized how Kurczewski had known Hernan since childhood and was like a daughter to her.
Medical experts testified about the cause of death, with conflicting opinions on whether Hernan’s death was a result of tetrahydrozoline poisoning or mixed-drug toxicity. The trial revealed details about Hernan’s medical conditions, financial struggles, and the strained relationships she had with friends and family members leading up to her death.
After a lengthy trial and intense deliberation, Jessy Kurczewski was found guilty of first-degree intentional homicide and two counts of felony theft. She received a life sentence for the homicide charge and a 10-year sentence for the theft charges. Throughout the proceedings, Kurczewski maintained her innocence, claiming she was falsely accused and expressing deep remorse for the loss of her friend, Lynn Hernan.
In a shocking turn of events, new evidence emerged post-conviction, implicating Kurczewski in a scheme to fabricate evidence and seek exoneration. The discovery of handwritten letters and documents outlining a plan to fake evidence raised questions about Kurczewski’s motives and actions leading up to her sentencing.
Despite Kurczewski’s denials and insistence on her innocence, the court ultimately determined that Hernan’s death was premeditated and sentenced Kurczewski to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 40 years. The case garnered significant attention for its complexity and the moral dilemmas it posed regarding loyalty, betrayal, and the consequences of one’s actions.