Killing after lawn-moving argument

NEWBERG, Wis (WSAU) A southeast Wisconsin man has been charged with killing his girlfriend’s son-in-law in an argument over who would mow her lawn. 63-year-old George Trinka of Newburg is charged in Washington County with reckless homicide, reckless endangerment, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. He’s accused of killing 39-year-old Steven Szerbowski of West Bend last Saturday at the girlfriend’s home where Trinka had lived in the basement.

According to prosecutors, Szerbowski’s 12-year-old son asked to mow the lawn – but Trinka said it was too wet, and he’d do it the next day. Szerbowski had to force the garage door open to return the lawnmower, and an argument ensued between Trinka and the child’s grandmother. At one point, Szerbowski reportedly threatened to beat Trinka – and officials said Trinka then armed himself with a .22-caliber handgun.

There were conflicting reports of whether the gun went off accidentally or not – but authorities said a bullet struck Szerbowski in the chest and killed him. The woman told officers Trinka didn’t like her family because he thought they didn’t like him. Trinka is in jail under a $50,0000 cash bond. His initial court appearance has not been scheduled yet.