Richard Wendell Sotka : “Richard Sotka Receives 2 Life Sentences”

Richard Wendell Sotka (Mississippi County, Arkansas Sheriff’s Dept.) and the home where he killed Rhonda Cegelski and Paula O’Connor (WBAY screenshot)

A 49-year-old man in Wisconsin sentenced to life in prison for killing girlfriend and her friend

A 49-year-old man in Wisconsin has been sentenced to spend the rest of his life behind bars for the brutal murder of his girlfriend and her best friend. Richard Wendell Sotka, in a jealous rage, stabbed both women to death after witnessing them being intimate, causing him to “snap.”

Maximum penalty imposed by Brown County Circuit Court Judge

Brown County Circuit Court Judge Beau Liegeois wasted no time in ordering Richard Wendell Sotka to serve the maximum penalty for his heinous crimes. Sotka received two consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole for the 2023 slayings of Rhonda Cegelski, 58, and Paula O’Connor, 53.

Guilty verdict on multiple counts

A jury deliberated for just one hour before finding Sotka guilty on two counts of first-degree murder with a dangerous weapon, five counts of jumping bail, and one count of criminal damage to property. One of the murder charges also included a domestic abuse modifier.

Restitution and lack of remorse

In addition to his life sentences, Sotka has been ordered to pay $16,000 in restitution. Despite being given the opportunity to speak, Sotka showed no remorse for his actions, claiming that the two women attacked him and that he was merely defending himself.

Judge’s scathing remarks

Judge Liegeois did not hold back in his criticism of Sotka, labeling his behaviour as “classic domestic abuser talk.” He condemned Sotka’s actions as predatory and merciless, emphasizing the brutality of the killings.

Details of the murders

Police responded to the duplex shared by Sotka and Cegelski after the discovery of the two victims’ bodies. Both women had been stabbed multiple times in the face and neck, with one of them found with a knife still lodged in her neck.

Arrest and confession

Sotka quickly became a person of interest in the case and was apprehended in Arkansas, where he confessed to the double murder. He claimed that he “snapped” after witnessing the two women engaging in sexual activity and felt humiliated.

Authorities also revealed that Sotka had a history of violence, having previously assaulted another woman he was dating over 20 years ago. This additional information came to light during Sotka’s murder trial.

Appeal and future proceedings

Despite his conviction and sentencing, Sotka plans to appeal the decision. Milwaukee Fox affiliate WITI reported his intentions to challenge the court’s ruling.

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