Defense: Minn. man on trial in La Crosse photo store murders not a killer

July 25, 2013 at 1:37AM

LA CROSSE, Wis. — The defense contends a Minnesota man on trial for the fatal shootings of a Wisconsin camera store owner and his teenage son is not a killer.

Jurors in La Crosse County court heard opening statements Wednesday in the trial of Jeffrey Lepsch of Dakota, Minn.

Prosecutors allege Lepsch shot Paul Petras and his 19-year-old son, A.J., and stole merchandise at May's Photo in downtown La Crosse last September.

Defense attorney Vincent Rust called Lepsch a family man who is not violent. Rust also says Lepsch's DNA is not at the crime scene.

The La Crosse Tribune (http://bit.ly/11eyPmx ) reports prosecutors argue that Lepsch killed the father and son before leaving the store with 27 cameras, lenses and other merchandise worth about $17,000.

The defense has not indicated whether Lepsch will testify.

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