[1][2][3] Described as having "chronic paranoid schizophrenia", Bethke was found not guilty by reason of insanity and sentenced to up to 49 years in a state mental institution.
The story states that Michael Bethke of Calumet City, Illinois was found not guilty by reason of insanity in the slaying of 49 year-old Joseph Lesinski and that a hearing regarding his mental condition and future prognosis would be held on June 3, 1993.
The story also states that the slaying occurred on June 6, 1991, while both Bethke and his victim Lesinki were working at the Burnham White Hen Pantry.
[clarification needed] Bethke was described by Assistant Public Defender Paul Brownlee as having "chronic paranoid schizophrenia".
A detailed report of the crime scene can be found in the June 8, 1991, issue of the Sun-Times, at page 12, which noted that the victim apparently had the word "repent" scrawled on his forehead.