(Indianapolis, IN) - A La Porte County man in prison for the shooting death of his son has lost his appeal. Jason Wetzel of Wanatah is serving a 17 year sentence.
In his appeal, Wetzel argued his claims of self-defense were not sufficiently addressed by prosecutors during the trial. However, the Indiana Court of Appeals disagreed and upheld his conviction. The 63 year old Wetzel was found not guilty of murder for the 2020 shooting death of his 33 year old son, Jeremiah. However, he was found guilty of aggravated battery during a retrial.
Wetzel told authorities he and his son were watching a movie and drinking when his son became aggressive and lunged at him. He claimed feeling threatened enough to shoot his son, who suffered bullet wounds to the stomach and shoulder.
