Helgeson ordered released after years in state hospital for killing his father in Jackson County

Over the objections of a local prosecutor, an area judge is ordering Lars Helgeson to be released from a Wisconsin state mental hospital.

A conditional release plan is being prepared for the Jackson County man, who was committed to Mendota for killing his father and burying the body on family property in Jackson County in 2013.

Lars was 20 at the time he shot his father Brian. He had petitioned for release, and a doctor who examined him testified in Jackson County Court that Helgeson did not pose a risk to the community if he was let out of the hospital.

Monroe County Judge Mark Goodman was called in to preside over the hearing, which began in early November, but was adjourned at the time and completed on Wednesday.