Convicted murderer withdraws request for release - WQOW TV: Eau Claire, WI NEWS18 News, Weather, and Sports

Eau Claire (WQOW) - Just days after seeking his release from custody a convicted murderer changes his mind.

Last week we were the first to tell you that John J. Brown had petitioned an Eau Claire judge to allow him to be released from a state mental institution. He's been there for 28 years after being found not guilty by insanity for the stabbing death of his ex-wife. Rose Brown was stabbed 23 times at her Vine Street home in 1983.

But now, Brown has sent another letter to the judge withdrawing his request. In the letter Brown expresses doubts that he would get a fair hearing.  He also says that due to medical conditions he could not survive the stress surrounding another hearing, including, in his words, "And again be publicly run through a grinder, upsetting old scares that no one cares about."