Man admits to ‘mercy killing’ of wife and will now spend decades behind bars
By KCCI staff
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ADEL, Iowa (KCCI) — A Perry man will likely spend the remainder of his life behind bars after pleading guilty to the death of his wife last year.
Richard James Hoesing, 76, pleaded guilty Friday to second-degree murder in the killing of his wife, Jean Hoesing. A judge sentenced him to 50 years in prison, with a mandatory minimum of 35 years before he is eligible for parole. He was also ordered to pay $150,000 to his wife’s estate.
The case began in March 2025, when Perry police were dispatched to a home in the 2600 block of Lucinda Street. According to investigators, Hoesing called authorities himself and reported that he had killed his wife.
When officers arrived, they found Jean Hoesing dead inside the residence with her throat cut.
Court documents state Hoesing told police he killed his wife to “put her out of her misery,” citing her struggles with multiple sclerosis and bipolar disorder. Authorities initially charged him with first-degree murder.
The plea agreement reduced the charge to second-degree murder, avoiding a potential life sentence without parole. However, with the length of the sentence and Hoesing’s age, the conviction effectively ensures he will spend the rest of his life in prison.
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