Hayward 'Satanic Thrill Kill' Trial Begins
Monday, September 17, 2012 - 7:39pm
By:
Maya Holmes
Photojournalist:
Harry Baker
FOX 21 News, KQDS-DT
HAYWARD, Wis. - After more than three years of waiting, a trial started Monday for the man who allegedly stabbed a 93–year–old Radisson woman to death in a satanic thrill kill.Christopher Roalson, 30, is facing one count of first degree intentional homicide and two counts of burglary tied to the death of Irena Roszak.
"I stabbed her and I stabbed her and I stabbed her,” Prosecuting Attorney Bruce Poquette said. "That’s what Christopher Roalson told his friend."
It’s was an eerie and dark start for the trial of Roalson who allegedly stabbed and killed Roszak with Austin Davis.
"These two gentlemen went in with intent to steal and then for whatever reason Mr. Davis went out of control," Defense Attorney Donna Kuchler said.
"Find Mr. Roalston guilty on both counts," said Poquette.
Jacqueline Walczak, a friend of Roalson and who he allegedly confessed the murder to, first took the stand.
"She was crying and begging for her life," said Walczak.
"He told her that God was not in that house tonight."
She says Roalson told her he decided to kill Roszak after he and Davis were scared off by a motion light from killing their first victims.
When he entered her home, she caught him, he allegedly beat her with a stool and stabbed her 18 times.
“He told me if he got away with it he'd do it again," said Walczak.
Roszak’s caretaker, who discovered her body, also took the stand.
"I saw Irena laying cross ways in her bed," said Roszak’s care giver Linda Connell.
"She had blood on her face and her chest."
The bulk of the trial was spent on examining key evidence.
"Have you ever seen this item before? asked Poquette.
“Yes,” replied witness Terry Kinsel.
“What is it?” asked Poquette.
“It’s my kitchen knife," replied Kinsel."
"Also right in this area here there's red that appeared to be blood to me," Sawyer County Sheriff's Department investigator Gary Gillis said.
Pictures of Irena’s last moments were also shown.
"Her head is just right up in this area off camera,” said Gillis. “There's blood right on the front of her chest area right here."
Investigators say Irena had wounds indicating she fought for her life.
In the following days Davis will take the stand. The trial is expected to last until Friday.