In a shocking event back in 1982, a 16-year-old boy named Richard Jahnke Jr. killed his father. The case quickly grabbed the nation’s attention.
The incident occurred on a November evening. Richard Jahnke Sr., who worked for the IRS, arrived home with his wife, Maria. As he got out of their car to open the garage, his son, Richard Jr., shot him.
According to reports from that time, Richard Sr. was known to be a tough man who always carried a gun. After the shooting, Richard Jr. said he heard his mother screaming and couldn’t bear for her to see what he had done. His sister, Deborah, was also involved, waiting inside with another gun, ready to defend herself if her brother missed. Both siblings then ran away.
During the trial, a dark story of abuse came to light. Maria testified that her husband was a different person inside their home, creating “pure hell” for the family. She claimed the abuse started when the children were very young. The father reportedly had many guns, which he seemed to value greatly.
Richard Jr. and Deborah faced serious charges that could have meant life in prison. Richard Jr. was accused of murder, while Deborah was accused of helping him.
In his testimony, Richard Jr. described the abuse he suffered at the hands of his father. He said his father “hated” him and made his life miserable. He described beatings with a leather belt and constant verbal abuse. He also claimed his father abused his mother and sister.
The jury found Richard Jr. guilty of manslaughter, not murder. He was sentenced to prison. Deborah was found guilty of helping in the manslaughter and also received a prison sentence.
Many people felt the sentences were too harsh, and the governor of Wyoming eventually reduced them. Both Richard Jr. and Deborah were released from prison in 1985.
Maria, the mother, expressed relief after the event. She said she initially thought her husband was being attacked by someone else. She was grateful for the support she received from her neighbors after years of isolation. She believed her son had freed her and her children from a life of fear and hate.
