Accomplished teen accused of Fremont murder
He’s succeeded at everything he’s ever done, and I think that led to his arrogance in this case. He wanted to see if he could get away with it.
- Capt. Steven Verwiel, Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department
One sure way to achieve DUMB@$$ immortality is to convince yourself that you are not subject to the same rules that govern the rest of civilized society. Normally, the DUMB@$$ AWARD committee if not prone to awarding a coveted and much-sought-after DUMB@$$ AWARD on an accused murderer, but an exception will be made in this case. Clearly, young Mr. Hirte is a DUMB@$$ is ever there was one.
OSHKOSH -- Gary M. Hirte was the first Weyauwega teen in 20 years to receive the coveted Eagle Scout honor.
On Friday, Hirte, 18, was charged in Winnebago County Circuit Court with first-degree intentional homicide in the brutal slaying Aug. 2 of Glen Kopitske at the victim’s Town of Wolf River home near Fremont.
Hirte wrestled and played football for Weyauwega-Fremont High School, was a member of the school’s prom court and worked part time at the Waupaca Dairy Queen. He looked forward to graduating in May.
Local authorities said Hirte’s attributes and seemingly normal teen life did little to explain his deep knowledge of a months-old murder, or why the murder victim’s car keys were discovered in his bedroom.
If Hirte needed a challenge, why didn't he try running a marathon or climbing a mountain? Find something to be proud of that doesn't involve taking the life of an innocent person. Of course, if Hirte had done that, he wouldnt have met the stringent DUMB@$$ AWARD qualifications.
Investigators remained tenacious since the murder and followed several leads before finally receiving a break in the case, Verwiel said. Hirte’s ex-girlfriend went to Weyauwega police in early January....
Authorities this week taped a telephone conversation between the woman and Hirte. After she initiated conversation, he told her that he entered Kopitske’s home, shot him in the back of the head with a 12-gauge shotgun and stabbed him three times. He said he wanted to see if he could get away with the crime.
State crime lab investigators previously believed that the shotgun round taken from Kopitske’s head came from a 12-gauge gun, the complaint states.
Congratulations to young Mr. Hirte. If he doesn't receive the death sentence (not that it isn't deserved), Hirte should have a lifetime to stare at the DUMB@$$ AWARD that will grace the shelf in his cell. Of course, this is only when he's not being used for the gratification of another prisoner's...er...primal urges. Perhaps that will temper some of Hirte's teenage arrogance, eh?
