White Wisconsin hunter is convicted of killing Hmong man

marinette, wis. -- A jury found a white former sawmill worker guilty Friday in the fatal shooting and stabbing of a Hmong immigrant with whom he crossed paths while each was hunting squirrels in northern Wisconsin.

The jury found James Nichols guilty of second-degree intentional homicide in the death of Cha Vang. The case rekindled racial tensions in northern Wisconsin, where a Hmong deer hunter fatally shot six white hunters three years ago.

Nichols appeared to fight back tears as he left the courtroom with his arms folded against his chest. Pang Vue, the victim’s widow, collapsed outside the courtroom after the verdict and was carried away moaning by a sheriff’s deputy.

“We are pleased with the verdict,” said Assistant Atty. Gen. Roy Korte, who prosecuted the case. “I am sure it was a tough decision, and we respect the verdict.”

Nichols, 29, of Peshtigo, had been charged with first-degree intentional homicide, but the judge gave jurors an alternative of the lesser charge, which carries a maximum 60-year prison term instead of life. Judge David Miron said sentencing would be scheduled next week.

Nichols also was convicted on charges of hiding a corpse and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Nichols told investigators he and Vang got into a dispute while hunting separately Jan. 5 in the Peshtigo Wildlife Area. He acknowledged shooting and stabbing Vang but said he did it in self-defense.