Father of murder defendant retires as judge

MILWAUKEE (AP) — A Milwaukee County judge whose son has been charged with homicide has decided to retire.

In a letter to Gov. Scott Walker, Judge Thomas Donegan said his retirement would be effective at the end of November. He did not mention his son's legal troubles in his letter.

Thirty-two-year-old James Donegan is charged with first-degree intentional homicide and armed robbery. Prosecutors say he strangled and stabbed Teresa Boone in a Milwaukee park earlier this month.

Judge Donegan told WITI-TV his son is suffering from mental illness. A public defender has asked a judge to order a mental competency exam for the defendant.

Information from: WITI-TV, http://www.fox6now.com.

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