Family of slain deputy fights killer’s parole

Published 10:05 am Monday, April 14, 2014

WINONA — The family of a Winona County sheriff’s investigator killed 34 years ago is fighting against paroling the deputy’s killer.

Relatives of John Schneider are collecting letters and emails opposing the release of John Kirch who’s in prison in Stillwater. He appears before a parole panel May 12.

Kirch was convicted of fatally shooting Schneider after he and two other deputies responded to a domestic disturbance at a mobile home in Goodview in September of 1980.

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The deputy’s widow, Jean Schneider, says she still misses her husband every day. His son-in-law, Jon Meyer, said the parole hearings are difficult because it’s like living the tragic event all over again.

Meyer says the family will do anything to keep Kirch locked up.