Wisconsin Man Sentenced to Life Without Parole for Brutal Murder

A Wisconsin man has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after being found guilty of brutally beating a homeless man to death with a brick. The victim, Keith Rieskamp, was discovered by passersby on November 24, 2024, covered in blood near two dumpsters outside an apartment building in Oshkosh.

When police arrived at the scene, they found Rieskamp severely injured and bleeding profusely. His body bore multiple injuries including facial lacerations, fractures to his nose and jaw, and a ruptured right eye, leading medical examiners to conclude that he had died from blunt force trauma combined with hypothermia.

Officers investigating the crime knocked on Rodney Franklin’s apartment door, where they found him naked and uncooperative. Despite denying any knowledge of Rieskamp or his death, evidence collected at the scene and in Franklin's home pointed strongly towards his involvement. Surveillance footage showed Franklin wearing white high-tops stained with blood matching that of the victim. Inside his apartment, detectives discovered a wristwatch and bracelet belonging to Rieskamp, both covered in blood.

Witnesses told police that Rieskamp had been staying at Franklin’s place until he was kicked out days before the incident. One witness reported seeing the two arguing on the day prior to Rieskamp's death, suggesting a possible motive for the fatal attack.

During sentencing, Judge Scott Woldt showed no leniency and handed down a life sentence without parole for first-degree intentional homicide, along with an additional five-year concurrent sentence for theft from a corpse. The judge’s decision came despite letters of support from Franklin’s sister, who described him as a gentle soul suffering from colon cancer.

The case highlights the stark contrast between the brutal reality of Rieskamp's death and the seemingly incongruous image of Franklin answering his door naked to investigators. It also underscores the severe consequences faced by those convicted of such violent crimes in Wisconsin courts.