WI man punched over tattoos; conflicting testimony in Sehmer trial
WAUKESHA, Wis. - Tears and some conflicting testimony were part of day two in the Kevin Sehmer murder trial on Wednesday, July 31.
Prosecutors say Sehmer killed a man because of his tattoos. The state does not anticipate calling any other witnesses – and will likely rest its case on Thursday.
Due to scheduling conflicts, the defense already called one expert on Wednesday. The bulk of the day's testimony centered on what happened during the physical altercation.
Kevin Sehmer
Davies' widow testifies
"It’s the last picture we took together," said Jennifer Davies, widow of Josh Davies.
On the witness stand, Davies remembered the night her husband died. The couple was out with two other friends at Tabi's Wine Bar in Hartland.
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"I just remember immediately when the boys walked in him talking very loudly about their tattoos," Davies testified.
Jennifer Davies
When Laura Burke introduced the group to Kevin Sehmer, a night out took a violent turn.
"He lunged to the door," Burke said.
"Did you do anything to try and stop him?" asked prosecutor Melissa Zilavy.
"I grabbed his shirt tail," Burke answered.
Prosecutors said Sehmer lashed out at Davis, a stranger, because of Davies' tattoos.
What happened outside?
There is conflicting testimony about what happened outside of the bar. Sehmer's attorney said his client was trying to protect himself from Davies, who raised a metal stool over his head.
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"You didn’t see Josh holding a stool in his hand?" asked defense attorney Scott Schiro.
"No," answered Jon LaPorte.
"You didn’t see him holding it over his head?" Schiro asked.
"No," replied LaPorte.
Kevin Sehmer
Caught on camera
Surveillance video from nearby businesses is grainy. But musician Jon LaPorte said he was packing up outside – and saw what happened next.
"And I saw Kevin hit him. It looked like either with his fists or forearm smash kind of and I saw Josh fall flat back on his head," LaPorte said.
Investigators said Sehmer left the scene. Davies died a month later int he hospital.
Prosecutors charged Sehmer with felony murder.
WARNING: Some language in this trial may not be suitable for all viewers.