Brothers in deer killings waive hearing

WAUPACA COUNTY - The Waupaca County brothers accused in the brutal deer thrill kill were back in court on Friday.

24-year old Rory Kuenzi and 23-year old Robby Kuenzi face multiple charges for allegedly corralling a herd of deer and running them over with snowmobiles.

The Kuenzi brothers waived their preliminary hearing on Friday afternoon, which means evidence against the brothers was not presented.

However, Thomas Johnson, the attorney for Robby Kuenzi, tells us he does not expect Robby Kuenzi's case to go to trial because he "expects to reach a conclusion before that would happen."

The courtroom was packed with snowmobilers and community members. After court, the snowmobilers said they were satisfied the Kuenzi brothers have been charged. Meanwhile,Robby Kuenzi's attorney told FOX 11 why they waived his right to a preliminary hearing.

"We felt it would not be helpful to recite again the allegations. He understands that he has done something wrong. So it's not as if we expect as if it's going to disappear," said Johnson.

"People should not be doing this. Apparently, they are going to pay for it and they should. Who does that? It's uncalled for. It's not right," said Dennis Behn with the Waupaca County Trailblazers Snowmobile Club.

Robby Kuenzi's attorney also said his client regrets what happened and that media coverage of the case has been "embarrassing and difficult" for his client.

There is a third person charged in the deer case. 22-year old Nicholas Hermes is expected in court next week.

As mentioned earlier, there was standing room only in the Waupaca County courtroom. Among those in attendance was the family of 20-year old Kevin McCoy.

His family says McCoy was killed in a hit-and-run while walking home from a party in Waupaca County more than four years ago. Court records show Rory Kuenzi was a suspect in McCoy's death, but no charges were ever filed. The Waupaca County District Attorney said mistakes were made during the investigation.

Some of McCoy's friends and family said they wanted the chance look Rory Kuenzi in the eye during court on Friday.

"I saw him sitting there. I locked gazes with him. He knew exactly why we were here," said Joe Jones, McCoy's friend. "To see him locked up and not running around doing whatever he can felt really good."

"I guess I feel like there is not remorse (for the deer), and I don't feel like there was remorse for Kevin either. I just want to get to the real truth. I want to get it out there," said Kathy Marsden, Kevin McCoy's mother.

McCoy's mother has set up a reward fun for any information on her son's death.

The McCoy case has been sent to the State Patrol for a reconstruction report.

Rory Kuenzi is expected back in court on the deer charges in early February. His brother Robby Kuenzi will have a court date set next week.