WSAW - Breanna - Headlines

Man Accused of Killing Breanna Schneller Enters Not Guilty Plea

By: Julia Fello Email
Updated: Mon 1:03 PM, Aug 22, 2011

Raul Ponce-Rocha entered a not guilty plea on all counts in Marathon County Court Tuesday. The 22-year-old Wausau man is accused of murdering 18-year-old Breanna Schneller.

He's now charged with four counts, including first degree intentional homicide, burglary with the use of a dangerous weapon, and two theft charges. If convicted, Ponce-Rocha could spend life in prison.

Schneller was found dead inside her Wausau apartment May second. Authorities say she was stabbed multiple times in the chest and neck.

District Attorney Ken Heimerman says at this point, they believe Ponce-Rocha murdered Breanna on his own, but still will not give a motive. He says DNA evidence has strengthened his case.

"There have been additional results, I can't tell you exactly right now. What those pieces are but I can tell you there will be other pieces of evidence that would be used, based on the DNA matches," said D.A. Ken Heimerman.

Ponce-Rocha's $1,000,000 cash bond still stands. A pre-trial hearing is set for November 23, 2009.


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