Accused Triple Murderer’s Case Suspended as Families Gather

There were 18 people holding the photograph of Phia and Mai Vue. They gathered in tears at the courthouse, sending a message of support for their deceased family members. But for now, at least, the man accused of murdering the Milwaukee couple and another neighbor won’t stand trial.

Dan Popp was sent to a mental institution for incompetence at the hearing at the Safety Building in downtown Milwaukee. That means his criminal case has been suspended so that he can be treated for mental illness and, perhaps, made competent for his case to resume.

Some of the victims’ family members didn’t agree with the court’s ruling. The brother of one of the victims said that they will look for further action in memory of those lost.

“We reject the state’s psychological evaluation (that) stated that Dan J. Popp is incompetent. We will be pursuing an independent evaluation; we’ll fight for justice that the victims deserve,” said Tou Xiong. “Lives were taken because of Dan J. Popp’s (alleged) hatred for those who are different from him.”

Advocates for the victims have urged the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s office to add a hate crime penalty enhancer to the charges. One of the victims was Puerto Rican, and two were Hmong.

Jesus Manso-Perez’s family wasn’t present at the courthouse. They did request an audio recording of the hearing for translation that the judge granted. A member of the League of United American Citizens, Darryl Morin, was representing the Manso-Perez family. Morin was at the courthouse holding Manso-Perez’s picture. Morin said that he will not give up until Popp faces severe criminal charges. According to court records, the state did not have an interpreter available for the hearing.

“We believe this is a hate crime,” Morin said. “I’m here representing the family because they are passing through a rough time.”

Popp was charged with three separate counts of first-degree intentional homicide and one charge of attempted first-degree homicide. Popp allegedly killed Phia Vue, his wife Mai Vue and neighbor Jesus R. Manso-Perez last March 6. Popp’s attorney, Christopher Lee Hartley, had said that his client should be tested for mental illness.

Milwaukee County Circuit Judge J.D. Watts, declared Dan Popp not competent after reading the doctor’s report. According to court records, “The court finds the defendant not competent to proceed but more likely than not to become competent within the statutory time period. If provided with appropriate treatment, defendant is likely to become competent within 12 months or within the maximum sentence specified for the most serious offense, whichever is less.”

Watts listed three issues regarding the case to explain the decisions made. The first issue that Watts mentioned was regarding the doctor’s report. Popp will received treatment or medication in an attempt to restore competence to proceed with further actions. The second issue was that Popp will undergo treatment or medication. The third issue was the review of Popp’s history and mental history diagnosed by the doctor in the report. The report said that Popp suffers from psychotic disorder, and is delusional and paranoid. The report said that Popp is not likely to fake symptoms. Dan Popp will not be able to refuse taking medication for his treatment, the records say.

As a response, Christopher Hartley responded in agreement with Popp about the treatment.

“My client would like to know more information about the treatment,” Hartley added, though.

Prosecutor Kent Lovern said that they need to move forward on the case.  “Status continues without bail while medical professionals assist him,” Lovern said.

Popp’s case will be suspended until July 14 of the present year.