State rests case; Steele defense to present rebuttal witnesses Wednesday

The state rested its case Tuesday against the former Dane County deputy accused of killing his wife and sister-in-law.

Andrew Steele pleaded not guilty by mental disease or defect in the killings of his wife, Ashlee Steele, and sister-in-law, Kacee Tollefsbol, last August in Fitchburg.

The prosecution called a psychologist to the stand Tuesday.

Dr. Deborah Collins talked with Andrew Steele twice in the days after the double-homicide. She testified that Steele’s actions on the day of the murders were purposeful and were not random.

She talked about the zip tie found around Ashlee Steele’s neck when she was killed.

“The way in which it was practiced in this instance was at least careless,” Collins said. “And for someone who cared for his wife as much as Mr. Steele said he did, it doesn’t make sense.”

The defense is arguing Steele’s ALS affected his mental state at the time of the killings. The defense will have an opportunity to call witnesses for rebuttal Wednesday.

The judge told Steele to talk with his lawyer about whether or not he wants to testify.

It’s possible the case could be turned over to the jury as early as Wednesday.