MUSKEGON, Mich.- The man whose wife tried to hire a hit man to kill him is speaking out in her defense.
Jake Merfeld stood before a judge pleading for a lighter sentence for his wife, Julia, Tuesday.
“I whole-heartedly forgive my wife for all she has done in this act of hatred,” Jake said. “I know that my wife is a wonderful person.”
After Jake’s declaration of forgiveness for his wife, she turned and said, “Thank you.”
Former Assistant Muskegon County Prosecutor Brett Gardner says the judge has to take Jake’s position into consideration.
“It is unusual but it happens where a victim comes in and says they want less time or no jail time,” Gardner said.
Through the Victim’s Rights Act, Jake played a role in reducing his wife’s sentence. Gardner says the judge, however, has room for leeway.
“In this case the judge has taken into consideration the victims position but has also weighed very heavily the danger to the public by having someone who`s willing to hire somebody to murder someone else,” Gardner said.
Julia Merfeld was sentenced to a minimum of five years eight months and a maximum of 20 years in prison.
