Trial of Tony Haase's cold case double-murder remains undecided on its second day of deliberations
In a dramatic turn of events, the Waupaca County double homicide trial of Tony Haase concluded on August 11, 2025, with a jury verdict of not guilty on two counts of first-degree murder. The verdict came after more than three weeks of trial and four days of intense jury deliberations.
The jury, presided over by Judge Raymond Huber, had been deliberating for several hours on the third day before returning the verdict. The exact details of the judge's instructions during deliberations remain undisclosed. However, it is known that the trial featured presentations of evidence from both sides. Prosecutors emphasized crime scene DNA and a recorded confession, while the defense challenged the DNA's reliability and alleged the confession was coerced.
The jury ultimately sided with the defense's position. The ongoing jury deliberations, which are now in their third day, have been a source of frustration for the state, the defense, and the families involved.
Judge Huber has previously addressed the jury's request for guidance on convincing other jurors to make a unanimous decision. He noted that no juror needs to change their mind if it is made up, but they should discuss their beliefs in good faith. If a juror states they have made up their mind and will not change it, Judge Huber has advised the jury to respect this decision and continue their deliberations.
Enacting Wisconsin criminal jury instruction 520, which encourages open discussions among the jury, could potentially aid the jury in reaching a verdict. However, this instruction was not enacted in this trial.
The trial revolves around the 1992 murders of Tanna Togstad and Tim Mumbrue, for which Haase was arrested 30 years after the crimes were committed. Deliberations will continue on Friday morning.
District Attorney Kat Turner has suggested enacting Wisconsin criminal jury instruction 520 in such cases where juries are struggling to reach an agreement or are deadlocked.
- In light of the ongoing deliberations, District Attorney Kat Turner might consider enacting Wisconsin criminal jury instruction 520 in future cases similar to Tony Haase's, as it could potentially aid the jury in reaching a verdict.
- The controversy surrounding the Haase trial, with its complexities in DNA evidence and the confession, has brought general-news and politics into conversation, with many questioning the effectiveness of the current jury instructions in crime-and-justice cases.
