Posted: 9:04 AM Jun 18, 2012
Reporter: WEAU Staff

NEW INFORMATION: Koula begins testimony at murder trial
NEW INFORMATION: Koula begins testimony at murder trial
Day 2: Koula testifies in homicide trial

LA CROSSE, Wis (WEAU)- Eric Koula was on the stand for a second time June 19th. This time under the states questioning.

On the 18th Koula admitted to misleading investigators, and on the 19th had to answer to some tough questions about why prosecutors say he tried to trick detectives.

State Attorney Gary Freyberg asked Koula about his lies many times throughout his questioning. Koula admitted to lying about a 50 thousand dollar check, a note, and that he intentionally tried mislead investigators.

“You lied about the check from day one,” said Freyberg.

“Yes,” replied Koula.

“You knew you were planting evidence with the intent to lead people who were working to find the person who murdered your parents,” said Freyberg.

“That’s what it did yes,” replied Koula.

Attorney Freyberg accused Koula of making up stories for his alibi, and said that Koula carefully tried to cover up his tracks.

“You saved the receipt from Shopko because you knew you’d need it,” said Freyberg.

But Koula wouldn’t give in to Freyberg’s tough questioning.

“I saved it in case she wanted to return it,” said Koula.

Koula also gave reasoning for the note he wrote.

“I know it was wrong. I didn’t mean to scare anybody else, in particularly my family. I just wanted them (the police) to get who killed my parents and stop focusing on me and my family,” said Koula.

The trial has not ended with Koula’s testimony, but closing statements are scheduled for the end of this week if proceedings go as planned. The jury would then collaborate next week to decide Koula’s fate.

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LA CROSSE, Wis (WEAU) - Eric Koula himself took the stand to testify on his own behalf.

Koula is accused of shooting both his parents in 2010 for money.

This is the first time Koula has spoken publicly since he was taken into custody two years ago.

While on the stand Koula relived the day he found his parents dead in their home.

“I saw my dad on the floor there and you don’t expect it. I yell to him and run and grab his leg. I yell for my mom and no one answers. There was black stuff all over the floor and the TV’s loud. I grab my phone and remote, turn the TV down and call 911. It spins in your head. I’ve lived this over and over for two years,” said Eric Koula.

Koula had tears in his eyes as he talked about the death of his parents, saying it was a total shock.

“This can’t be it doesn’t make sense. It’s not possible,” said Koula.

The trial revolves around the notion that Koula needed money, and that he killed his parents to get it. On the stand Koula didn’t deny times were rough but indicated he could get money whenever he needed it.

“I had some cash at home. I didn’t want to go out and take money from the safety net if I didn’t have to. It’s just embarrassing to go out and ask my dad if I can have some more money when I had just gotten a large check several months before that,” said Koula.

Koula described what he called his “welfare fund.” 225 thousand dollars that his parents were giving to him in random amounts. Koula said the money was owed to him since the family business was sold off and then the insurance went bankrupt.

Koula said it was second nature to sign a 50 thousand dollar check in his fathers name.

“Was it unusual for your dad to give you a check with out signing it?” asked Defense Attorney Kevin Belzer.

“No” replied Koula, “because if he would sign it and I would lose it it’s got his signature on it and somebody else can fill it out.”

Koula said that at the time he asked his father for the check he didn’t know if he needed 25 or 50 thousand so his dad kept it blank for him.

It was fear that kept Koula from mentioning the check to police.

“I knew what that was going to look like . I didn’t know if I could explain everything with the complicated warranty thing,” said Koula.

It will take Koula more than one day to testify, and it will resume June 19th.

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Eric Koula testified through the morning Monday, and will continue testimony Monday afternoon. We'll have more on this story tonight on WEAU 13 News at 5.
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LA CROSSE, Wis. (WEAU) – The man accused of shooting his parents to death is expected to testify in his own defense Monday.

Eric Koula is charged with two counts of first-degree intentional homicide in the deaths of Merna and Dennis Koula. Their bodies were found in their home in the Town of Barre in May 2010.

Koula has been on trial since June 5.

Prosecutors say Koula killed them to collect on his inheritance. His attorney has said that a professional killer executed the couple.

We have a crew in court today, and bring you the latest tonight on WEAU 13 News.

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