Local News

Not Guilty in Father's Murder Trial

(La Porte, IN) - A La Porte County man has been found not guilty of murdering his son.

 

Jason Wetzel, 60, fatally shot his 33-year-old son, Jeremiah, inside his residence in Wanatah in May of 2020. Wetzel claimed self-defense.

 

Defense Attorney Scott Pejic said both men had been drinking; after watching a movie together, the younger Wetzel began attacking his father, who was sleeping in a reclining chair. Wetzel, after breaking free and holding a gun, warned his son to stop his aggressive actions or he would shoot, but the younger Wetzel lunged at his father, who then pulled the trigger.

 

The La Porte Circuit Court jury deliberated for about seven hours before returning with the not guilty verdict.

 

“They did a good job. They carefully deliberated and paid attention throughout the course of the trial and considered all of the evidence or lack of evidence,” Pejic said.

 

There was also evidence of past conflict between the father and son, who apparently had been trying to patch up their relationship.

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