Jury hands down a guilty verdict in the Jacob Seelinger murder trial

A jury of seven men and five women has returned a verdict that 18-year-old Jacob Seelinger is guilty of Second Degree Murder in the death last July of 47-year-old David Hansen of Freeport.

The jury deliberated for just under three hours Thursday afternoon before returning the verdict.  Judge Richard Stochl asked each of the 12 jurors individually if this was their conclusion and they all answered affirmatively.

Jacob Seelinger bowed his head after the verdict was announced.  Judge Stochl had previously warned those in attendance about any outburst, so relatives filed out of the courtroom quietly.

The judge has ordered a presentence investigation to be conducted and that Jacob Seelinger continue to be held without bond in the Winneshiek county Jail.