The Houghton County Prosecutor’s office authorized charges against Margaret Kempainen, aged 50 and Jacob Kempainen, aged 20, both of Hartland, Wisc. in the Dec. 18 murder of Alvin Kempainen, aged 87 of Hancock Twp.

Both individuals were charged with open murder and conspiracy to commit open murder which are punishable up to life in prison. Jacob was charged with felony firearm, punishable up to 2 consecutive years to underlying conviction. No other individuals have been charged in this incident.

Prosecuting attorney Dan Helmer asserted in the release “these charges are merely allegations. Both are presumed innocent of the charges until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.”

Thanks was expressed to the multiple agencies who assisted with the case.

Only in the position of county prosecutor for a few weeks Helmer added, “I want to assure all residents – violent crime will not be tolerated in Houghton County.”