Ezra McCandless found guilty of first degree intentional homicide

Three hours, 17 minutes and 24 seconds.

That's how long it took the jury to come to the verdict of guilty of first degree intentional homicide for Ezra McCandless, after nearly six hours of closing arguments.

The jury sided with the State that McCandless intentionally stabbed Woodworth with “intent to kill” on March 22, 2018 on a muddy road in

the Town of Spring Brook.

Dunn County District Attorney Andrea Nodolf said no evidence pointed to the defense claim of self-defense. She also said McCandless purposely staged the crime scene.

They said the DNA and physical evidence show McCandless was lying about what happened and said, based on the evidence and witness testimony, McCandless could not have killed Woodworth in self-defense.

In the defense's closing argument, they said McCandless was, “fighting for her life”, claiming McCandless acted in self-defense.

Defense Attorney Aaron nelson implored the jury to do their duty as American citizens.

Ezra McCandless was found guilty; sentencing is set for February 7, 2020. In the state of Wisconsin, first degree intentional homicide carries the potential for a life sentence.