James Krauseneck, convicted of Brighton ax murder, dies in prison

James Krauseneck, convicted of killing his wife with a single ax blow to the head in their Brighton home in 1982, died in prison Friday from esophageal cancer.

Krauseneck's death came only six months after he was sentenced to 25 years to life for the murder of his wife, Cathleen Krauseneck, in a crime that became commonly known as the "Brighton ax murder." He spent more than four decades free; he always insisted he was innocent, again doing so at his sentencing.

Krauseneck, who was 71 years old, was diagnosed with the cancer while in prison.

Under state law, Krauseneck's indictment for the crime will now be dismissed because of a pending appeal. The logic is this: The appeal did not have an opportunity to be considered, so the indictment should be dismissed because of the possibility of a successful appeal.

Krauseneck maintained his innocence at trial and in comments to the court at his sentencing. He was not diagnosed with the quickly advancing cancer until he was imprisoned.

As his condition worsened, Krauseneck was transferred away from the maximum-security prison where he was incarcerated to another prison with a more expansive medical facility. He lost nearly 80 pounds in the months after his sentencing.

"Even though Jim did not serve his full sentence we believe that karma was done when he died an undignified death behind prison walls," said Annet Schlosser, sister of Cathleen Krauseneck. "The entire world knows that he killed my sister and he died knowing that."

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: James Krauseneck, convicted of Brighton ax murder, dies in prison