Lincoln man found guilty in murder of stepfather at family gathering
The man accused of murdering his stepfather during a family get-together has been found guilty. Joseph Kruger, 41, has been convicted of murdering his stepfather, Mark Kruger at a family gathering in 2023. Prosecutors alleged that Joseph stabbed Mark Krugger in the chest during a fist fight after he was provoked by him. The defense claimed that Joseph was acting to defend himself when Mark wouldn't back down. Initially charged with second-degree murder, prosecutors later upgraded the charge to murder in the first degree. Joseph's sentencing is set for July 16 and he faces life imprisonment.
Published : one year ago by Jake Lawson in General
LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) - The man accused of murdering his stepfather during a family get-together has been found guilty.
A jury convicted 41-year-old Joseph Kruger for one count of first-degree murder and one count of use of a weapon to commit a felony on Tuesday.
Prosecutors alleged Joseph stabbed his stepfather, Mark Kruger, on May 7, 2023. Mark died on his way to the hospital.
Joseph scolded a child during a family gathering, which upset Mark. A fist fight broke out, and Mark was stabbed in the chest.
Prosecutors argued that Mark threw the first punch after he’d been provoked by Joseph. The fight was eventually broken up, but authorities said Joseph took a knife afterwards and stabbed his stepfather.
The defense argued that Joseph stabbed Mark as a way to defend himself when Mark wouldn’t back down. Joseph even attempted to help by administering CPR until first responders arrived.
Joseph was initially charged with second-degree murder, but prosecutors later upgraded the charge to murder in the first degree.
Lancaster County Judge Darla Ideus scheduled Joseph’s sentencing for July 16. He faces life in prison.
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Topics: Crime, Murder