Murder Trial Starts: Wisconsin Woman, Jessy Kurczewski Accused of Poisoning Friend with Eyedrops

 

A 39-year-old woman from Wisconsin is heading to trial this week in Waukesha County, facing charges of murdering her wealthy friend using eyedrops. 

Jessy Kurczewski has given the police various versions of the story surrounding her friend's death, but the case took a turn when it was discovered that Lynn Hernan, aged 62, had died from a fatal dose of Tetrahydrozoline, a key ingredient in eye drops. Kurczewski is charged with intentional first-degree homicide, theft of movable property over $100,000, and theft of movable property between $10,000 and $100,000.

The official explanation for Hernan's death initially pointed to an overdose, but the revelation of the eye drop poisoning led to Kurczewski's arrest. However, Kurczewski offered several explanations for the unusual circumstances, including suggesting that Hernan had been known to use eye drops excessively.

She also claimed that Hernan had attempted to take her own life by consuming Visine with vodka and had staged her own suicide with crushed pills. Later, Kurczewski allegedly admitted to assisting in her friend's death, claiming that Hernan had made the choice herself.

Kurczewski's defense centers on the belief that Hernan was obsessed with eyedrops, and Kurczewski had genuinely tried to alleviate her suffering. 

On the other hand, the state argues that Kurczewski had a financial motive, alleging that her spending increased significantly after her association with Hernan. She is accused of transferring over $100,000 of Hernan's money into her own bank account, totaling $290,210.06. 

The trial, expected to last around five weeks through late November, has seen jury selection begin, and it is being overseen by Waukesha County 3rd Judicial Administrative District Chief Judge Jennifer Dorow. 

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