Wisconsin Man, 81, Pleads Guilty to Killing Wife with Sparkling Juice Bottle, Cites Her Narcissism
May 31, 11:00 PM
An 81-year-old man from Wisconsin, John E. Berthold, has pleaded guilty to the brutal killing of his 77-year-old wife, Diane Berthold. The incident, which occurred last year, saw Berthold confess to authorities that he bludgeoned his wife to death with an unopened bottle of sparkling grape juice, citing her alleged narcissistic behavior as the primary motive for his actions.
According to court records, Berthold entered a guilty plea for one count of second-degree intentional homicide with a domestic abuse modifier, following negotiations between his legal team and prosecutors. The initial charge of first-degree intentional homicide was downgraded as part of the agreement, with certain modifiers removed.
The tragic events unfolded on July 13, 2023, when one of the couple’s sons visited their home in the town of Washington, initially believing it to be empty or that his parents were resting. However, upon hearing disturbing sounds emanating from their bedroom, the son discovered his father attempting to take his own life with a plastic bag over his head. Removing the bag, he then found his mother, Diane Berthold, lifeless with a towel covering her face.
During subsequent interviews with authorities, John Berthold confessed to the killing, stating that his wife's alleged narcissism had become unbearable, leading him to contemplate her murder for weeks before carrying it out while she slept. He expressed little remorse for his actions and even indicated he would do it again if given the chance.
Investigations into the couple's background revealed they had been discussing divorce, a decision they ultimately rescinded shortly before Diane's murder. John Berthold admitted to police that his reluctance to divide their estate evenly among their children and grandchildren served as a significant motive for his wife's murder.
Berthold's sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 18. He faces the possibility of spending the rest of his life behind bars. Eau Claire Circuit Court Judge Beverly Wickstrom has ordered pre-sentence investigations to be completed by July 18, and Berthold's legal team is required to finalize their own investigation by August 30.
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According to court records, Berthold entered a guilty plea for one count of second-degree intentional homicide with a domestic abuse modifier, following negotiations between his legal team and prosecutors. The initial charge of first-degree intentional homicide was downgraded as part of the agreement, with certain modifiers removed.
The tragic events unfolded on July 13, 2023, when one of the couple’s sons visited their home in the town of Washington, initially believing it to be empty or that his parents were resting. However, upon hearing disturbing sounds emanating from their bedroom, the son discovered his father attempting to take his own life with a plastic bag over his head. Removing the bag, he then found his mother, Diane Berthold, lifeless with a towel covering her face.
During subsequent interviews with authorities, John Berthold confessed to the killing, stating that his wife's alleged narcissism had become unbearable, leading him to contemplate her murder for weeks before carrying it out while she slept. He expressed little remorse for his actions and even indicated he would do it again if given the chance.
Investigations into the couple's background revealed they had been discussing divorce, a decision they ultimately rescinded shortly before Diane's murder. John Berthold admitted to police that his reluctance to divide their estate evenly among their children and grandchildren served as a significant motive for his wife's murder.
Berthold's sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 18. He faces the possibility of spending the rest of his life behind bars. Eau Claire Circuit Court Judge Beverly Wickstrom has ordered pre-sentence investigations to be completed by July 18, and Berthold's legal team is required to finalize their own investigation by August 30.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Karen Read Trial, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com