This browser does not support the Video element.
Neumann sentencing
Neumann sentencing
Matthew Neumann
MILWAUKEE -- Matthew Neumann, the Franklin business owner convicted in connection with the deaths of two of his employees, Robert Hajduk and Richard Conklin, was sentenced Thursday, Feb. 20 to 72 years in prison and 28 years extended supervision.
Neumann was wheeled into court on Thursday with a hint of a smile. He wasted no time reaffirming his innocence.
"I have remorse for the families, but I'm not responsible for this crime," Neumann said. "To sit here and listen to the state, what their theory on how this happened is ridiculous."
This browser does not support the Video element.
Matthew Neumann speaks to the court ahead of sentencing
Matthew Neumann speaks to the court ahead of sentencing
Neumann was convicted of two counts of first-degree reckless homicide and two counts of hiding a corpse. Prosecutors said in January 2019, two of Neumann’s employees at Spot Free Cleaning, Robert Hajduk and Richard Conklin, went missing. Days later, investigators say two bodies were found in a burn pit on a property leased by Neumann in East Troy.
Human remains found in Walworth County
At the sentencing, prosecutors described Neumann's lack of remorse -- and the statement he has made to police and the victims' families as "not human."
Matthew Neumann
"He says I'm just going to a barbeque or when he tells Bartline he needs charcoal for a pig roast. We know he talking about burning the bodies of two humans," said Michael Christopher Schindhelm, prosecutor.
Neumann said to the judge this process has been what he called a rude awakening.
"I ran a business for 28 years. I had 80, 90 employees. None of them ended up in a burn pit. Why would I burn these guys? It's ridiculous. Yet, I believe they said the motive was for a pack of cigarettes," Neumann said.
Neumann said he will appeal his conviction.
Matthew Neumann
This browser does not support the Video element.
Judge Wagner talks to Matthew Neumann ahead of sentencing
Judge Wagner talks to Matthew Neumann ahead of sentencing