Jackson County Man Granted Early Release After Murdering his Father

Thursday, May 25th, 2023 -- 3:01 PM

A Jackson County man found not competent for murdering his father was granted conditional release from the mental facility he was receiving treatment from.

Back in September of 2013, a family member of 57-year-old Brian Helgeson and Lars Helgeson contacted the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office asking for a welfare check on the two individuals. The relative had stated that Lars had been acting out and confrontational with his father.

After Brian Helgeson’s body was discovered an extensive man hunt began. Lars Helgeson was later arrested and he admitted to police that he shot his father Brian four times at their home, burned his body, and then buried it in an all-terrain vehicle track on the property.

Back in January of 2014, Helgeson pleaded not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect to the charges against him. In June of 2017, he was found guilty/but not guilty of a homicide charge by reason of mental disease. Two other charges were dismissed and read in.

Last year, Helgeson petitioned the court for early conditional release from the Mendota Mental Health Institute. In December of last year, a Jackson County Judge ruled that he’s no longer a danger and granted his request.

The judge adopted a plan for Helgeson’s release. He will be placed in Juneau County and he’s not allowed to have any contact with victims and their families without their consent.

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