Wisconsin Man Convicted in Fatal Stabbings of Two Women in Green Bay Home

A Wisconsin man has been convicted of two counts of first-degree intentional homicide for the fatal stabbings of Rhonda Cegelski, 58, of Green Bay, and Paula O’Connor, 53, of Bellevue. The bodies of the two women were discovered in a Green Bay home in January 2023.

Conviction and Sentencing

The Brown County jury deliberated for approximately one hour before finding Richard Sotka, 49, guilty of the charges. Sotka, a resident of Green Bay, is due to be sentenced on May 20 and faces two mandatory life prison terms for the crimes.

Details of the Case

According to a criminal complaint, Sotka confessed to the murders, stating that he "snapped" and killed the women after feeling "humiliated" when they laughed at him. Furthermore, Sotka admitted to cutting off an electronic monitoring bracelet he was required to wear and fleeing to Arkansas, where he was apprehended on the same day the bodies were discovered.

Previous Legal Issues

Prior to the double homicide, Sotka was out on bond in Oconto County, facing charges of stalking and violating a restraining order. As part of his bond conditions, he was obligated to wear the monitoring device that he removed before fleeing to Arkansas.

Authorities have not yet provided a motive for the fatal stabbings, but Sotka's confession sheds light on the events leading up to the tragic incident.