Osceola, Wisconsin — A Wisconsin man who allegedly tried to convince police that his estranged wife had run away with another man has entered a no contest plea in the killing of the mother of his children, bringing one of the state’s closely watched homicide cases a step closer to sentencing.
The case stems from the January 2024 death of 34-year-old Margaret Ler’che, who prosecutors say was killed while preparing to leave her marriage and move in with her father.
Wife Never Arrived at Father’s Home
According to investigators, Margaret Ler’che had decided to separate from her husband, Jared Ler’che, 43, after the couple experienced ongoing marital problems.
Police said she had already taken her two children to stay with her father in Iowa and was expected to join them later that evening after packing the remainder of her belongings from the family’s home in Osceola, Wisconsin, about 50 miles from the Twin Cities.
When Margaret never arrived, her father became concerned and requested a welfare check.
Husband Claimed Wife Had Run Off With Another Man
While officers were trying to locate Margaret, authorities received information that Jared Ler’che had contacted a crisis hotline, reporting suicidal thoughts while driving with the couple’s two children.
Law enforcement eventually located him and noted that there was blood on his clothing, according to court documents.
During questioning, investigators said Jared claimed he had no idea where his wife was.
Instead, police say he told officers to check her social media accounts and “figure out which one of her boyfriends she might have ran off with.”
Authorities said Jared also made allegations that Margaret had been involved in multiple affairs and even accused her of involvement in child trafficking, claims investigators have not substantiated.
According to the criminal complaint, officers arrested Jared after he allegedly reached for a sawed-off shotgun during the interview.
Officers Made Grim Discovery Inside Family Home
After speaking with Jared, investigators went to the couple’s residence to continue the welfare check.
Looking through a basement window, officers noticed what appeared to be a human body covered with a blanket.
When they entered the home, they discovered Margaret Ler’che dead in the basement. According to investigators, she had a gunshot wound to the back of her head, and a cord was wrapped around her neck.
Police also recovered a .22-caliber rifle lying next to her body.
The discovery led prosecutors to charge Jared Ler’che with first-degree intentional homicide.
No Contest Plea Ends Need for Trial
On Tuesday, Jared Ler’che pleaded no contest to the homicide charge, meaning he accepted conviction without formally admitting guilt.
The plea brings the criminal case closer to its conclusion and eliminates the need for a trial. A judge is expected to formally sentence him on October 22.
The court has not yet indicated what sentence prosecutors will seek, but first-degree intentional homicide is among Wisconsin’s most serious criminal offenses and carries the possibility of life imprisonment.
The case has drawn attention because of investigators’ allegations that Jared attempted to mislead authorities by claiming his wife had voluntarily disappeared while her body remained inside the home.
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