July 29, 2023 – Fond du lac Co., WI – Today District Attorney Eric J. Toney announced that Julius A. Freeman Jr. was convicted of first-degree intentional homicide, as a party to a crime, and armed robbery, as a party to a crime, after a seven-day jury trial.
The convictions stem from the October 17, 2021, death of Benzel Rose on Eighth Street in the City of Fond du Lac. Rose was found with a single gunshot wound to the head and a firearm and large amount of cash were stolen.
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The testimony revealed that Eric Perry and Julius Freeman committed an armed robbery of Rose at the residence, and it is alleged that Eric Perry was the individual that shot Rose.
Criminal Complaint_1 - Freeman, Julius Antwan JrBond was revoked for Freeman and the sentencing date has been set for October 11, 2023, at 1:30 p.m.
District Attorney Toney stated: “We want those involved in a shooting or homicide to know that they will be aggressively prosecuted and held accountable through our justice system. We will continue to partner with law enforcement to investigate, prosecute, and convict anyone responsible for threatening public safety in our community and we will not rest.
“We are beyond appreciative of the patience the jury demonstrated and I am incredibly proud of our prosecution team that worked tirelessly to find justice for the family of Benzel Rose and our community. The jury found that the defendant was involved in the commission of an armed robbery and the natural and probable consequence of that armed robbery was the intentional homicide of Benzel Rose.”
This case was investigated by the City of Fond du Lac Police Department with Detective Nick Hahn as the lead investigator. It was prosecuted by District Attorney Eric Toney, DDA Barry Braatz, and ADA Catherine Block, along with the incredible assistance of support staff and victim witness professionals. Eric Perry has pending charges including first-degree intentional homicide and is presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty.