OFF THE WIRE
By Steve Sharp of the Daily Times staff
JEFFERSON - The double homicide trial of Andrew Wirth is scheduled to begin Monday in Jefferson County Branch I Circuit Court with jury selection. Opening statements from attorneys in the case are expected Tuesday and “In Session,” the former “Court TV,” is considering covering the event for nationwide cable cast.
A Jefferson County judge determined in September that a jury from Columbia County will hear the double homicide case of the 25-year-old Jefferson resident. He is charged with the shooting deaths of off-duty town of Oconomowoc police officer Jennifer Luick and her friend Gregg Peters. The incident occurred in the early morning hours of Dec. 6, 2009, at Vinnie's Rock Bottom Saloon and Eatery in downtown Jefferson.
An altercation at the bar began after Luick patted Wirth on the behind, an act to which he took exception. Peters later confronted Wirth about his reaction and their conversation moved outside, where the shootings are alleged to have occurred.
Wirth was wearing the colors of the Diablos Lobos motorcycle club at the time of the incident and an expert witness on motorcycle gangs testified recently that Wirth may have felt he had been shown disrespect by Luick when she touched him. As part of the code of some motorcycle gangs, the expert said, the mere touching of club colors can elicit extremely violent reactions from the person wearing the club insignia.
Any references to possible gang affiliation on the part of Wirth, however, will not be permitted during the trial.
Wirth is also charged with three counts of first-degree reckless endangerment of safety in connection with his alleged actions Dec. 6.
The trial is scheduled to last at least eight days in the court of Jefferson County Branch I Circuit Court Judge Jennifer Weston.
