A state appeals court says a Kenosha man---accused of strangling a woman and leaving her body in a cemetery---was properly convicted. Prosecutors charged that Javier Garcia with intentional homicide, sexual assault, false imprisonment, battery and theft in connection with the 2012 death of Lisa Mezera. He was sentenced to life in 2014. Garcia argued that no male DNA was found on the victim and there was no proof as to how she had lost her clothing.
The 2nd District Court of Appeals upheld his conviction Wednesday, noting that Garcia wanted a relationship but Mezera had rejected him. Female DNA that could have been Mezera's was found in Garcia's vehicle and DNA under her fingernails could have come from Garcia.
The court indicated that a jury could have reasonably inferred guilt.
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