A Wisconsin man who strangled his cellmate shortly after being assigned to share a prison cell has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of supervised release.
Jackson Vogel, 25, was convicted of the murder of 19-year-old Micah Laureano, whom he killed in 2021 after being assigned as his cellmate at the Green Bay Correctional Institution.
Vogel had already been serving a 20-year sentence for attempting to murder his mother when he committed this second crime, one that was fueled by hate and indifference to human life.
The Crime and Vogel’s Confession
Vogel had been incarcerated for eight years when he was assigned a new cellmate, Laureano, who had been sentenced to three years for assault and vehicle theft. According to court records and investigators, Vogel killed Laureano within hours of his arrival at the prison.
After the murder, Vogel reportedly showed no remorse and was seen smiling. When questioned by police, Vogel said he killed Laureano because he was “bored” and because Laureano was Black. He also believed that Laureano was gay, claiming that his victim “checked all the boxes” for someone he wanted to kill.
During his trial, Vogel was the only witness presented by his defense team, and his attorney, Luke Harrison, argued that Vogel’s attitude could change over time.
Harrison pleaded for the possibility of supervised release at some point in the future, suggesting that people are capable of change, even if it takes many years. However, the judge was not convinced by these arguments.
Vogel’s Sentencing Hearing
At his sentencing on Friday, Vogel spoke for himself and acknowledged that he might not show remorse, explaining that he may not understand emotions like others. He admitted to being sorry for his actions but stopped short of expressing regret in the traditional sense.
Vogel asked for the opportunity for supervised release in the future, though the judge had already made it clear that a first-degree murder conviction in Wisconsin carries a mandatory life sentence, with the possibility of supervised release left to the judge’s discretion.
Judge’s Harsh Response and Life Sentence
Judge Donald Zuidmulder, who presided over the case, expressed his disbelief and disgust at Vogel’s actions and demeanor. He referred to a chilling note written by Vogel, which was presented as evidence during the trial.
The note contained a directive to “Kill all humans,” specifically targeting Black people and gay people, using graphic slurs. Judge Zuidmulder pointed out that Vogel’s crime, committed only eight years into his sentence, was a “cold and calculated” act of murder.
Addressing Vogel directly, the judge said, “You set in motion all the things that bring us here today.” He described the details of the murder, including how Vogel strangled Laureano with a clothesline, using his knee to force Laureano into submission until he died.
The judge also noted Vogel’s “excited” demeanor following the murder, which he found deeply unsettling.
Zuidmulder concluded by stating that Vogel had shown no signs of change after eight years in the state prison system and that he believed Vogel was “a killing machine.” He made it clear that he had no expectation that Vogel would ever change, sentencing him to life in prison without the possibility of supervised release.
Vogel’s sentence reflects the severity of his crime and the disturbing nature of his actions. His lack of remorse, coupled with the hate-filled motivations behind his actions, led to a sentence that ensures he will spend the rest of his life behind bars.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by individuals who commit violent acts motivated by hate and indifference to human life.
