Man accused of fatally punching man over tattoos is sentenced to prison, officials say
_fitted.png "Josh Davies died from injuries after an altercation in June 2023. One man has been sentenced in connection to his death.")
A Wisconsin man is sentenced to prison after officials say he fatally punched a man in 2023.
Kevin Sehmer, 65, was convicted of murder on Aug. 1, according to court records. On Sept. 6, he was sentenced to seven years in prison and five years of extended supervision, with 423 days credit for time served.
Sehmer’s attorney did not respond to McClatchy News’ request for comment on the sentencing.
On June 17, 2023, a Hartland police officer was waved down by a group of people on a sidewalk, according to a July 13, 2023, news release from the Village of Hartland Police Department. The officer found a man, later identified as 39-year-old Josh Davies, lying on the ground.
Witnesses told authorities an altercation began at a wine bar after Sehmer confronted Davies about his tattoos, court records said, according to WISN.
“My client was weirdly upset about a tattoo – I don’t know why. At some point, my client pokes a finger at him,” defense attorney Scott Schiro said, according to WITI.
Sehmer told Davies that “marking up ‘God’s work’ is a sin,” according to a criminal complaint, The Freeman reported.
Schiro said Sehmer was trying to protect himself and Davies fell while trying to lunge at Sehmer with a metal stool, WITI reported.
However, a criminal complaint said Sehmer punched Davies, which caused him to fall and hit his head on pavement, WISN reported.
Davies had two skull fractures and multiple brain bleeds, according to medical reports, the news outlet reported. He died almost a month later from his injuries, according to police.
“I never imagined I’d be in a courtroom addressing the death of my husband,” Jennifer Davies said, WITI reported. “Josh was filled with laughter, love and kindness.”
During the sentencing, Sehmer spoke, showing remorse.
“Your honor, Josh’s family and friends, please allow me to express my sincere remorse and sympathy for the loss of Josh, a son, a father, a husband and a friend. I also wanted to express my sorrow for my abhorrent behavior that fateful night in the bar. ... It was a sincere low point in my life,” Sehmer said, according to The Freeman. “I only hope Josh’s family and friends can find it somewhere deep in their hearts to forgive me. I know I never will forgive myself.”
Davies family said they were hoping Sehmer would receive a longer sentence, WITI reported.
“You picked on the wrong guy when you picked on Josh, he was one of the good guys,” Josh’ mother, Patti Pearson, said, according to the news outlet
This story was originally published September 8, 2024 at 3:22 PM with the headline "Man accused of fatally punching man over tattoos is sentenced to prison, officials say."
