GUILTY: Washington Co. jury convicts Daniel Bartelt of first-degree intentional homicide

WASHINGTON CO. (WITI) -- A Washington County jury convicted Daniel Bartelt on Tuesday, August 19th of first-degree intentional homicide in connection with the death of Jessie Blodgett.

Bartelt faced four felony charges in the case: two counts of first degree intentional homicide, one count of first degree recklessly endangering safety and one count of false imprisonment. One count of first degree intentional homicide is related to the death of 19-year-old Jessie Blodgett. Blodgett was found dead inside her home on July 15th. The other three charges are related to an alleged attack at a Richfield Park on July 12th.

After Bartelt left the courtroom to await his sentencing, Blodgett's father exited a different door and paused to say a few words to reporters.

"It`s not, not a good day for anybody," said Buck Blodgett.

Blodgett's daughter and Bartelt have been described as friends and classmates. They even recorded music together. Blodgett's father says both of their families are suffering.

"Nobody won. Dan's family is a beautiful family that provided a loving environment. They're great people. I feel horrible for them, today. It's a huge loss for everybody," said Blodgett.

Jurors deliberated for about three hours following a week-long trial that included details of the crime scene. Those details indicated that climbing rope was used to strangle Blodgett in her bedroom.

On his way to speak with Bartelt's family, Daniel's defense attorney shared his disappointment with the verdict.

"It's a tragedy. It remains a tragedy, and I just have compassion for both the Blodgett family, and the Bartelt family for the, for the difficult ordeal that they`ve, they`ve been through," said Gary Schmaus, Bartelt's attorney.

Bartelt is scheduled to be sentenced on October 14th.

Related stories: