Wisconsin governor calls for peace and says state has “work to do” after Rittenhouse ruling

Kyle Rittenhouse, the teenager accused of killing two people and shooting another during unrest in Kenosha, Wisconsin, last summer was found not guilty of any crime.

The jury of 5 men and 7 women deliberated for more than 25 hours over the past 4 days in a closely watched case.

If found guilty of the most serious offences, Rittenhouse faces the mandatory sentence of life in prison.

This are fees He was acquitted because:

Turn 1: First-degree reckless murder using dangerous weapons

The 1st Earl of Rittenhouse recklessly caused the death of 36-year-old Joseph Rosenbaum under circumstances that showed a disregard for human life.

Wisconsin law allows use deadly force only if “necessary to prevent imminent death or major bodily harm.”

Turn 2: Level 1 recklessness endangers safety, uses dangerous weapons

The 2nd Earl of Rittenhouse recklessly jeopardized the safety of Richard McGinniss – a journalist for the conservative Daily Caller – under circumstances that showed complete disregard for human life.

Count 3: Level 1 recklessness endangers safety, uses dangerous weapons

The 3rd Earl of Rittenhouse recklessly jeopardized the safety of an unidentified man, known as a “rock jumper” in court, under circumstances that completely disregarded human life.

The man jumped into the Rittenhouse at one point, attempting to kick him, and the teen opened fire. “I thought if I was knocked out, he would stomp my face if I didn’t fire,” he said. Rittenhouse shot the man twice and missed.

Turn 4: First-degree intentional homicide, using dangerous weapons

The 4th Earl of Rittenhouse caused the death of 26-year-old Anthony Huber with the intention of killing him. It is the most serious charge he has faced, with a mandatory life sentence. Huber swings his skateboard at Rittenhouse after Rosenbaum is shot dead.

Prosecutors asked the jury to also be instructed on second-degree attempted murder, first-degree reckless murder and second-degree reckless murder.

Defense attorneys oppose second-degree reckless murder. The judge said he “accepted” the defense’s argument. But he is likely to be charged with fewer counts of second-degree intentional murder and first-degree reckless murder.

Count 5: Intentional first-degree murder, using a weapon

The 5th Earl of Rittenhouse attempted to cause the death of 27-year-old Gaige Grosskreutz, with the intention of killing him.

After shooting Huber, Rittenhouse testified, he saw Grosskreutz lunge at him and point a pistol at his head. Rittenhouse shot him, he testified. Grosskreutz was wounded.

Grosskreutz testified that he drew his own gun because he believed Rittenhouse was an active shooter.

Prosecutors have asked for lesser charges of second-degree murder, first-degree reckless endangerment and second-degree reckless endangerment. Schroeder said he tended to agree with the prosecution.

Rittenhouse, wearing a dark coat with tie and burgundy shirt, stood behind the defense desk as each not guilty verdict was read. He struggled to hold back his tears, then sobbed and appeared to collapse forward on the table, where he was held by one of his lawyers.

Judge Bruce Schroeder denied possession of a light weapon and a non-criminal curfew prior to sentencing.

Read more about how the trial went here.