La Crosse jury to start hearing Koula trial today

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LA CROSSE - A jury in La Crosse will start hearing testimony today in the trial of a man accused of killing his parents for their money.

It took more than six hours yesterday to select a 15-member panel to hear the case of 42-year-old Eric Koula of West Salem. Twelve jurors will eventually decide whether the day-trader is guilty of killing Dennis and Merna Koula in May of 2010 at their rural home in the La Crosse County town of Barre.

Investigators said Koula was in debt and behind on his mortgage – but the defense claims that the state only has a possible motive, and no physical evidence. Eighty-six people have been listed as possible witnesses.

The trial is expected to run for four weeks. Attorneys on both sides will deliver their opening statements this morning. Jurors are expected to view the victims’ home this afternoon.

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