ANTIGO, WI (WSAU) — A jury trial is underway for the man suspected of killing his mother in late 2021.
Proceedings began Monday in a Langlade County courtroom where 39-year-old Derek Goplin faces one count of first-degree intentional homicide by use of a dangerous weapon. Investigators say Goplin stabbed his mother during an argument, then left the home.
The victim, later identified as Susan Reese, was found the next day after police conducted a welfare check on her. Video surveillance footage showed Goplin and a child in the area of the home at the time, and police later found the child at a hotel.
Investigators say the child told them that their grandmother had tried to kill their father, then told them to leave the room. That’s when the child said Goplin stabbed Reese.
Goplin was on the run for a few days before he was arrested in Racine County and brought back to Langlade County. He’s been held on a $1 million bond.
The trial is scheduled to last through February 10th. A guilty verdict would mean a mandatory life sentence for Goplin.
