Du Pont Guilty of Murdering Wrestler; Avoids Life Sentence
Multimillionaire John E. Du Pont was convicted Tuesday of murdering Olympic wrestler David Schultz, but jurors also ruled that he was mentally ill, sparing him a possible life sentence.
After seven days of deliberation, the jury found Du Pont guilty of third-degree murder, or murder without premeditation. The verdict means the chemical-fortune heir will likely spend time in a mental hospital and serve the rest of his term in prison only if he is deemed cured.
The maximum penalty is 20 to 40 years in prison, but Du Pont could be free on parole after as little as five years because he has no prior record.
The jury of six men and six women rejected defense claims that Du Pont was legally insane when he shot Schultz, a 1984 gold medalist, on Jan. 26, 1996, outside the wrestler’s home on Du Pont’s estate, Foxcatcher Farm. At the same time, they also rejected the prosecution effort to convict Du Pont of first-degree murder, which carries a mandatory life sentence.
An emotional Nancy Schultz, the wrestler’s widow and an eyewitness to the shooting, said: “It is comforting to know Du Pont is not above the law and he will be held responsible for David’s murder.”
Schultz’s father, Philip, said the verdict “could be better. But we can live with it.”
Defense attorney Thomas Bergstrom said he was pleased with the outcome. He said he did not know if his client would appeal.
Du Pont, 58, sat impassively when the verdict was announced shortly after 5 p.m., sporting long, unkempt gray hair, a bushy beard and the same blue sweatshirt he has worn throughout the three-week trial.
Delaware County Court Judge Patricia Jenkins scheduled a sentencing hearing for April 22.
A presentencing psychiatric evaluation will be conducted to determine whether Du Pont is severely mentally disabled and whether he should be remanded to prison or a psychiatric facility.
Du Pont was also convicted of assault for pointing his gun at Nancy Schultz and his security consultant. The sentence also carries a $50,000 fine.
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