Ohio man guilty of conspiring with foster daughter to kill wife

PAINESVILLE, Ohio - An Ohio man accused of being romantically involved with his foster daughter and conspiring with her to kill his wife has been convicted of sexual battery and conspiracy charges.

A jury in Lake County, Ohio, convicted 43-year-old Kevin Knoefel Wednesday on six counts of sexual battery, three counts of complicity to aggravated murder and two counts of conspiracy to commit aggravated murder. He was emotionless as the jury read the verdict.

CBS affiliate WOIO reports Knoefel was accused of persuading his now-19-year-old foster daughter, Sabrina Zunich, to kill his 41-year-old wife, Lisa, in November 2012. Prosecutors accused Knoefel of having an affair with the young woman.

The defense says Zunich is mentally ill and acted alone in killing Lisa, who was stabbed 178 times, according to the station.

Knoefel never took the stand during the trial, the station reports. It is unclear when he will be sentenced. His attorney says he could face 25 years to life in prison.

Defense attorney Michael Connick says they plan to appeal.

The daughter testified that she was in love with Knoefel and they planned the slaying so they could be together.