Man Sentenced to Life in 2005 Poisoning of Wife After Decades-Long Legal Battle
BOSTON, MA – Mark Jensen, 63, has been sentenced to life in prison for the 2005 murder of his wife, Julie Jensen, who was found dead in their Massachusetts home. the conviction comes after a retrial stemming from a sealed letter delivered to authorities by neighbors, alleging Jensen had been systematically poisoning her.
The case, initially tried in 2006, ended in a hung jury. Fifteen years later, a new trial yielded a swift verdict, with jurors needing only one day to find Jensen guilty. The evidence, including testimony from witnesses who appeared in both trials and Julie Jensen’s own written account, proved sufficient for conviction despite the absence of the original letter during the second proceedings. This case highlights the enduring pursuit of justice for victims of domestic violence and the power of neighborly intervention.
Julie Jensen was discovered lifeless in bed, and suspicions quickly fell upon her husband. Neighbors subsequently provided a sealed letter to investigators, written by Julie, detailing a long pattern of abuse and her belief that Mark was intentionally poisoning her.The letter described her fears and suspicions, ultimately leading to the inquiry and initial trial.
Key witnesses, including Kelly Labonte (formerly Kelly Jensen Brooks), who had remarried since the first trial, were again called to testify. The prosecution successfully argued that Jensen, rather than seeking a divorce or separation, deliberately tormented his wife over an extended period.
Judge Anthony Milisauskas rejected Jensen’s request for probation after serving 20 years, stating, “If Jensen had problems with his wife, he could have divorced or separated from her. Instead, he chose to torment her for a long time.” jensen will now spend the remainder of his life in prison for the calculated murder of his wife.
