Woman Convicted of First-Degree Homicide for Poisoning Friend with Eye Drops

In a harrowing case that unfolded in the Waukesha County court, Jessy Kurczewski, a 39-year-old woman from Wisconsin, was found guilty of first-degree intentional homicide for the death of her friend, 62-year-old Lynn Hernan. The verdict, delivered after two days of jury deliberation, marked the culmination of a trial that revealed disturbing details surrounding Hernan’s demise in 2018. Kurczewski, tearful upon hearing the verdict, faced charges not only for intentional homicide but also for alleged theft amounting to nearly $300,000 from Hernan in the years leading up to her death.

The case drew attention as Kurczewski, initially pleading not guilty to the charges, was identified as Hernan’s friend and caregiver. Initially perceived as a drug overdose, Hernan’s death took a chilling turn when a toxicological report, three months post her demise, revealed a lethal dose of tetrahydrozoline, a key component in over-the-counter eye drops, in her system. The prosecution argued that Kurczewski, listed as a beneficiary in Hernan’s will, saw her as more valuable deceased than alive, emphasizing financial gain as the motive behind the poisoning. However, the defense contested these claims, presenting an alternate narrative during the trial.

Waukesha County Deputy District Attorney Abbey Nickolie, satisfied with the guilty verdict, highlighted the vulnerability of the victim and the betrayal carried out by the defendant. The trial shed light on the tragic consequences of greed, showcasing the lengths to which someone might go to fulfill their desires, leaving a community in shock at the chilling details that emerged throughout the proceedings.

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