In a notable case that has captivated the state of Wisconsin, Jessy Kurczewski, 40, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the 2018 murder of her friend Lynn Hernan. The case, which unfolded in a courtroom in Waukesha, Wisconsin, saw Kurczewski convicted of first-degree intentional homicide after it was revealed she had poisoned Hernan using eye drops. Additionally, Kurczewski was found guilty of stealing approximately $290,000 from Hernan, further compounding the gravity of her crimes.
The sentencing, delivered by Judge Jennifer Dorow, marks a critical endpoint in a saga that has highlighted the extreme measures Kurczewski took to not only end the life of her friend but to also enrich herself through deceit and theft. The judge determined that Kurczewski would be eligible for supervised release after serving 30 years, taking into account the severity of the offense and the necessity to protect the public from potential future crimes.
This case has deeply affected the community, particularly those close to Lynn Hernan, who have been vocal about their loss and the monstrous nature of Kurczewski’s actions. One of Hernan’s friends, during a victim impact statement, labeled Kurczewski as “pure evil,” reflecting the sentiment that her actions were not only criminal but morally reprehensible.
Medical examiners found the cause of Hernan’s death to be poisoning from tetrahydrozoline, a common ingredient in eye drops, leading to the ruling of her death as a homicide. This detail, coupled with evidence of Kurczewski’s attempts to cover up her actions and blame others, painted a chilling picture of premeditation and malice.
This case raises questions about trust, betrayal, and the lengths to which individuals will go to exploit those close to them. As Kurczewski begins her life sentence, the community and the victim’s loved ones are left to grapple with the lasting impacts of her actions, hoping for some measure of peace following the conclusion of this tragic case.