Victim’s family wants killer kept in prison

BOISE – Relatives of a woman murdered 11 years ago say they want to testify this week against her husband, who was convicted of killing her.

He’s terminally ill with cancer and there is talk of an early release from prison.

Veniamin “Ben” Kuzmichev, 67, was convicted of second-degree murder in 1997 for the death of his wife, Wanda Cowger Kuzmichev, who was found dead in the Boise Foothills in 1995 with a plastic bag over her head.

Tim Cowger learned this last week that Kuzmichev, who had been sentenced to at least 21 years in prison, could get out under a provision that allows prisoners’ release if they have a terminal disease or become permanently incapacitated and are no longer a threat to society.

Cowger, who lives in Northern California, said his mother’s death tore the family apart; he wants Kuzmichev to die behind bars.

“I thought once you got a fixed sentence, you got a fixed sentence, and if you died in prison, you died in prison,” he told the Idaho Statesman, adding he believes his stepfather has shown no remorse.

Though jurors found him guilty of second-degree murder, Kuzmichev maintained his innocence.

“This trial is as horrible to me as the members of Wanda’s family,” he said. “I am not guilty in the death of my wife.”

Olivia Craven, executive director for the commission, said she hopes a decision is made this week.