Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?

Minn. man gets life for killing father, son in La Crosse

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

LA CROSSE, Wis. (AP) -- A Minnesota man has been sentenced to life in prison without release for the shooting deaths of a western Wisconsin photography store owner and his teenage son.

The La Crosse Tribune reports Jeffrey Lepsch, of Dakota, Minn., did not make a statement during the sentencing in La Crosse County Tuesday.

The 40-year-old was found guilty in July of killing 56-year-old Paul Petras and his 19-year-old son A.J. in May's Photo in La Crosse on Sept. 15, 2012. He was also convicted of robbing them of $17,000 worth of equipment.

Family and attorneys kept statements short during the 45-minute hearing.

Sherri Petras, Paul Petras' wife and A.J.'s mother, said she felt bad for his kids but it was his decision. She said he shouldn't have taken her family.