Richard Wendell Sotka, a 50-year-old Wisconsin man, has a history of violent crimes. He was found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder in the January 2023 deaths of his lover Rhonda Cegelski and her best friend Paula O'Connor. Sotka admitted to the killings during a police interview and was sentenced to two consecutive life terms without parole. He is also facing other legal issues while detained, including a violence complaint against a correctional officer. The trial date has been pushed out due to Sotka's ability to meet with his attorney and analyze case papers.
Richard W. Sotka. Autographed Letter, Signed. Handwritten, Commercial #10 (4.125 × 9.5 envelope). Green Bay, WI. January 21, 2025. Content unknown. SEALED.
Richard Wendell Sotka: Overview of Criminal Cases
Background Information
Richard Wendell Sotka is a 50-year-old man from Green Bay, Wisconsin, who has gained notoriety for his violent criminal history. He was previously convicted of two counts of first-degree murder in the January 2023 deaths of his girlfriend, Rhonda Cegelski, and her best friend, Paula O’Connor. The murders occurred after an incident where Sotka claimed to have felt humiliated upon witnessing the two women being intimate.
Murder Conviction
Sotka’s conviction stemmed from a brutal attack on January 29, 2023. Both victims were found dead with multiple stab wounds inflicted by an 8-inch blade. Cegelski’s daughter discovered their bodies in their shared residence. Following the discovery, law enforcement quickly identified Sotka as a person of interest due to his relationship with Cegelski and his prior legal issues involving stalking and domestic violence.
During police interrogation after his arrest in Arkansas—where he was apprehended approximately ten hours after the murders—Sotka confessed to the killings. He stated that he “snapped” after seeing the women together and expressed no remorse for his actions during sentencing. In March 2023, he was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole.
Current Legal Issues
In addition to his murder convictions, Richard Sotka is facing additional legal challenges while incarcerated. He is scheduled for trial on January 8, 2025, for allegedly attacking a correctional officer during his time in prison. This charge involves battery by a prisoner and stems from an incident where he reportedly struck the officer multiple times in the head.
The trial date has been postponed several times due to issues regarding Sotka’s ability to meet with his attorney and review case materials. His attorney indicated that these delays were necessary for adequate preparation for the upcoming trial.
Conclusion
Richard Wendell Sotka’s criminal history is marked by severe violent offenses leading to multiple life sentences and ongoing legal troubles while incarcerated. His case highlights significant issues related to domestic violence and recidivism among offenders with histories of aggression.
VIDEO: When JEALOUS Man KILLED Girlfriend and her friend! | https://youtu.be/1tva9qNg9zs
VIDEO: LIVE: Richard Sotka to be sentenced | https://youtu.be/cCfLc9z1nBw
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