Fox Point Teen To Spend Life in Mental Health Institution for Murder

A Fox Point teenager will spend the rest of his life in a state mental health institution.

Richard Wilson, 17, was found not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect by Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge William Domina Thursday as part of a plea deal where Wilson plead guilty to one count of first degree intentional homicide.

Although prosecutors could have continued to have a trial to deem if Wilson was competent when he killed his grandfather - prominent real estate developer Ronald Siepmann - Waukesha County District Attorney Brad Schimel said it was clear Wilson had mental issues prior, during and after the crime was committed and therefore wanted to forgo the continuation of the case.

“If there was anything that didn’t fit (to warrant the verdict) we’d be in a different situation,” Schimel said.

Wilson, who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, killed Siepmann in the early hours of May 18 inside a shed on Siepmann’s town of Merton property. He told his mother he did it in order to end the “spell” of schizophrenia in the family.

Schimel and Wilson’s attorney Michael Steinle said two mental health reports concluded Wilson’s mental health was clearly an issue before the murder took place due to statements he made and concerns other family members had raised.

Wilson was committed to a state mental health institution earlier this year after he was . Schimel said it was at that institution where doctors were finally able to get his mental state in a better situation, saying Wilson was “disconnected” and “was not tuned in” to what was going on.

Domina also told Wilson he seemed to be progressing in his mental health treatment since earlier court proceedings.

Although he’s committed for life, Schimel said Wilson will be able to petition for release in the future with his first opportunity available six months from now.

Wilson first began to show signs of mental health issues in fall 2010 and then attended school on a half day basis on doctor recommendations. Schimel said prior to the diagnosis, Wilson was known as “very successful student.”

Wilson’s family didn’t comment after the proceedings, but may issue a statement within the next day.

Domina said he agreed to hold the hearing Thursday despite a heavy case load because of the resolution in the case and the ability to settle it prior to the holidays. He said he hopes this will help the family and Wilson move forward despite Siepmann no longer being with them.

“The Siepmann is of great stature in this community,” he said. “They’re good people.”