Jury Determines Mental Disease/Defect Played a Role in Wisconsin Rapids Man’s Attempt to Smother a Relative

Thursday, December 12th, 2024 -- 3:01 PM

(Mike Leischner, WSAU) One day after he was found guilty at trial, a Wisconsin Rapids jury has determined that mental disease or defect played a role in Tommy Ehrisman’s attempt to smother a relative with a pillow two years ago.

According to Mike Leischner with WSAU, court records show the jury deliberated the matter for about 60 minutes on Wednesday before returning their decision. It came after five and a half hours of testimony from expert witnesses including doctors.

The judge accepted the verdict and determined that the 66-year-old would be turned over to the Department of Health and Human Services until a pre-dispositional report could be done.

Ehrisman was facing a count of attempted homicide and strangulation or suffocation. The jury found him guilty on that charge after about 30 minutes of deliberation, setting the stage for Wednesday’s action.

Ehrisman attempted to smother the woman with a pillow during an incident in 2022. After she fought him off, he told her to call for help. He also said he had planned the attack and was having thoughts of self-harm.

No further court action was immediately scheduled. Ehrisman will remain in custody until the pre-dispositional report is complete.

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