The man convicted of murdering a Rock County family will spend the rest of his life in prison.
51-year-old James Koepp was sentenced Tuesday afternoon to three life sentences without parole for the murders of Danyetta Lentz and her two teenage children, Nicole and Scott. He was convicted in February of first degree intentional homicide for strangling and stabbing the family in January of 2007.
Rock County Judge Alan Bates says the community will be protected while Koepp is in prison, based on a long and “heinous” criminal history.
Danyetta’s sister, Kim, spoke at the sentencing, saying Koepp took away her “sister and kids” in ways she’ll never understand.
Koepp’s defense attorney argued that a history of bipolar disorder could explain his actions, but prosecutors say he never followed through with treatment during his criminal career. Rock County DA David O’Leary called it a “hollow argument.”
Koepp did not address the court before sentencing.
AUDIO: Rock County Judge Alan Bates (:26)
Audio contributed by WCLO’s Beth Wheelock.