Rick murder appeal denied

By The Associated Press

and Daily Globe staff

MADISON, Wis. - A state appeals court isn't letting Donald Rick withdraw his guilty plea in the gruesome Bear Trap homicide in Saxon.

Rick, 46, formerly of Hurley, told investigators he decided to rob the Bear Trap Inn in Saxon on March 12, 2016, after he lost all his money at a casino in Lac du Flambeau the night before. After the bar closed, he tackled bartender Lisa Waldros, of Kimball, stabbed her and then burned down the bar with her body inside.

Rick pleaded guilty to first-degree intentional homicide and was sentenced to life without parole.

He asked to withdraw his plea, saying his then-girlfriend actually killed Waldros and he confessed to protect her.

The Third District Court of Appeals denied the request Tuesday, saying he didn't establish any reason to justify withdrawal.

Rick stabbed Waldros five times in the neck, once in the jugular vein, and then returned to the Bear Trap and poured gas on her and lit it as she was still alive, burning down the tavern-restaurant.

He stole less than $200.

Waldros' husband, Dean Waldros, said at sentencing, "A monster came to Saxon and took the most loving person in this world away. The town of Saxon has never been the same."

"I probably am a monster," Rick later responded.

According to court records, Rick owes assessments of $36,423.