WAUKESHA COUNTY, WI — A Waukesha County jury has found Martha Brown, 44, of Glendale, guilty of first-degree intentional homicide in the 2024 death of Richard Platt, a longtime acquaintance from New Berlin.
Brown now faces a potential life sentence when she appears for sentencing on November 20. A presentence investigation will assess any mitigating circumstances before the court makes a final decision. The jury returned its guilty verdict on August 26, concluding a two-day trial.
The case stems from an incident on February 12, 2024, when Brown struck Platt, 77, multiple times with a ceramic angel statue, leading to his death. His body was discovered in the basement of his Glen Park Court home by New Berlin police after a wellness check.
Brown told investigators she acted in self-defense after finding Platt in a bathtub with her younger, nonverbal, autistic relative, whom Platt helped care for. She claimed she feared the child was being sexually assaulted, which triggered a violent confrontation. While details remain unclear, Brown reportedly followed Platt into the basement before attacking him.
She admitted to striking Platt eight times on the head and body before fleeing the scene.
Authorities located Brown later that same day in Cedarburg, where she had been seen partially clothed and running through yards, according to the Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies found her hiding in a garage. While being treated at a hospital, Brown disclosed the events at Platt’s home, prompting the wellness check.
Brown and Platt had known each other for over 14 years and lived together until 2020. Despite the end of their cohabitation, she reportedly visited his home almost daily, as Platt continued to care for her adult relative.
The jury deliberated for two hours before finding Brown guilty, rejecting her claims of self-defense. She will remain in custody at the Waukesha County Jail until her sentencing, which will be overseen by Judge Ralph Ramirez.
