After a week of testimony, the murder trial of 71-year-old James Clement in Crystal Falls came to a close with a jury delivering their verdict on Sunday. The case revolved around the 2021 death of Ralph Schuirmann, who lived with Clement, and the charges against him ranged from murder to lying to authorities.
In their decision, the jury found Clement guilty of involuntary manslaughter, a lesser charge than the second-degree murder he initially faced. He was also convicted of lying to police during a violent crime investigation. However, two other charges—manslaughter and a second count of lying to a peace officer—did not lead to convictions.
Iron County Judge Donald Powell denied Clement bail and ordered him to remain in custody until sentencing. “While I don’t believe Mr. Clement poses a danger to society, he has been found guilty, and the presumption of innocence no longer applies,” Powell stated during the court proceedings.
The trial ended with powerful closing arguments from both sides. Clement’s defense attorney, Daryl Waters, emphasized the lack of solid evidence tying Clement to Schuirmann’s death, urging the jury to acquit his client. “Let Ralph Schuirmann rest in peace, and give Jim Clement peace,” he pleaded. “Examine the evidence—or the lack of it—and find him not guilty.”
On the other hand, Iron County Prosecutor Chad DeRouin encouraged the jury to use “common sense and reason,” arguing that Clement’s actions showed recklessness and disregard for human life. “The evidence clearly shows the defendant either intended to harm, or acted in a way that created a high risk of serious harm or death,” DeRouin said, pressing for a conviction.
After three and a half hours of deliberation, the jury reached its decision, bringing a dramatic end to the week-long trial. Clement now awaits sentencing as the community processes the outcome of a case that has weighed heavily since it first began.
