Karl Karlsen.Photo: Stephen D. Cannerelli/The Post-Standard/AP
A man who previously admitted to killing his son for insurance money has now been convicted in the 1991 death of his wife for the same motive .
According to the outlet, Karlsen will be sentenced on Mar. 17, and his defense attorney stated that he will appeal the conviction.
Karlsen’s attorney did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment, but in a statement, Calaveras County District Attorney Barbara M. Yook said, “We are extremely pleased with the jury’s decision in this case. The jury worked very hard and we are grateful for their time, attention and verdict.”
Christina Alexander-Karlsen.Facebook
Christina Alexander-Karlsen and Levi Karlsen.Facebook
Karlsen used the payout from his late wife’s insurance policy at the time to buy a home in upstate New York, according toSyracuse.com.
In November 2013, Karlsen pleaded guilty to killing his 23-year-old son Levi in 2008 to collect a $707,210 life insurance policy, according to Syracuse.com. He had registered the policy 17 days before Levi was found crushed under a car.
Levi’s death was originally believed to be accidental, but prosecutors claimed that Karlsen purposely rigged a 5,000-lbs. vehicle to fall on his son who was working beneath it, according to Syracuse.com.
Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up forPEOPLE’s free True Crime newsletterfor breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.
Levi Karlsen.Facebook
Per theUnion Democrat, family members connected to the trial shared their reaction immediately following this week’s verdict, with the daughter of Karlsen and Christina saying she’s “just happy.”
“It’s a long battle. It should have taken effect in 1991,” said Christina’s sister, while Karlsen’s brother said: “I’m just glad it’s over. It’s done, finally. And I hope justice is served.”
Karlsen entered the New York State Department of Corrections system in December 2013 following the verdict in Levi’s death, for which his earliest release date is November 2027, according toinmate records.
A spokesperson from the New York Corrections office told theUnion Democratthat Karlsen will serve out his prior sentencing in New York before being transported to California to serve the new sentencing.
source: people.com
