WI - Ethan Hauschultz, 7, beaten and buried in "coffin of snow", Manitowoc, April 2018 *arrests*

[Niner]

Delay... delay... delay....

Judge recuses herself from Timothy Hauschultz case over potential conflict of interest

In court Wednesday, Judge Jerilyn Dietz said it was brought to her attention she had acted as the guardian ad litem for witnesses in the case.

fox11online.com

May 28, 2025
MANITOWOC (WLUK) – In a decision which will likely lead to another delay for a trial related to the 2018 death of Ethan Hauschultz, a Manitowoc County judge removed herself from the case Wednesday due to a conflict of interest.
[.....]
In court Wednesday, Judge Jerilyn Dietz said it was brought to her attention she had acted as the guardian ad litem for witnesses in the case. Although she has no recollection of doing so, the conflict means she had to remove herself from the case.

Both District Attorney Jacalyn LaBre and defense attorney Donna Kuchler agreed with the judge’s assessment and decision.
[.....]
The Director of State Courts office will appoint a new judge, who then will likely schedule a status conference to discuss the case.

The trial had been scheduled to start Oct. 1, but it’s unlikely that date will be available in the court of whichever judge is assigned.

One pre-trial issue remaining to be decided is a defense request that a jury from outside Manitowoc County hear the case.

 

[Niner]

No court date yet...

Court record
Date Event Court official Court reporter Amount
05-28-2025 Application for specific judicial assign approved Dietz, Jerilyn M.
05-28-2025 Video conferencing
05-28-2025 Scheduling conference Dietz, Jerilyn M. KEIL, Debra
Additional text:
10:47 AM Defendant Timothy S HAUSCHULTZ appeared by video. Attorney Donna Jean Kuchler appeared by video for Timothy S HAUSCHULTZ. Attorney Bradley W Novreske appeared by video for Timothy S HAUSCHULTZ. Attorney Jacalyn Christie Labre appeared by video for State of Wisconsin. Prosecuting attorney Jill L. Vendetti appeared by video for the State of Wisconsin.
Clerk: Kristy Schiffer

Court has in depth colloquy with defendant regarding his/her right to making an in person appearance today. Defendant understands this right and waives his/her right to appear in person.
Off the record it was brought to the Court's attention that Judge Dietz was the GAL for witnesses involved in this case. Court does not feel this causes a conflict as she has no recollection of said hearing. Although the Court does not recall this or feel it would be a conflict, it has no choice but to recuse itself.

Notification will be made to have a new judge assigned.

05-27-2025 Witness list - plaintiff
Additional text:
State's 3rd Amended Witness List

link: Wisconsin Circuit Court Access

 

[Niner]

Just a docket update - new judge - no new court date yet though

Court record
Date Event Court official Court reporter Amount
05-29-2025 Notice of assignment of judge
05-29-2025 Order assigning judge/judicial assignment order Dewane, Robert
05-29-2025 Application for specific judicial assign approved Rohrer, Mark R.
05-29-2025 Notice of assignment of judge
05-29-2025 Order assigning judge/judicial assignment order Rohrer, Mark R.

link: Wisconsin Circuit Court Access

 

[Niner]

Wonder if the September date still stands that I have in my notes? Even though he now has a new Judge & the court site has no "next" court date though.

from 3/5/25 court notes - plus his appeal was denied!

Parties discuss scheduling. All additional motions must be filed with the court by 04/25/2025.
Pre-trial conference set for 09/04/2025.
Jury trial set to begin 10/01/2025 at 8:30am.
All future court dates are subject to the decision of the Court of Appeals.

link: Wisconsin Circuit Court Access

 

[Niner]

Court activities
Date Time Location Description Type Court official
07-11-2025 11:00 am Status conference Court Reed, Carey J.


Court record
Date Event Court official Court reporter Amount
06-03-2025 Notice of hearing
Additional text:
Status conference on July 11, 2025 at 11:00 am.

06-02-2025 Notice of assignment of judge
Additional text:
Not sent to Co-defendant's Attorney

06-02-2025 Order assigning judge/judicial assignment order Reed, Carey J.

05-30-2025 Application for specific judicial assign approved Dewane, Robert
Additional text:
Not sent to Co-Defendant's Attorney

05-29-2025 Notice of assignment of judge
05-29-2025 Order assigning judge/judicial assignment order Dewane, Robert
05-29-2025 Application for specific judicial assign approved Rohrer, Mark R.
05-29-2025 Notice of assignment of judge
05-29-2025 Order assigning judge/judicial assignment order Rohrer, Mark R.

link: Wisconsin Circuit Court Access

 

[Niner]

Friday, July 11th:
*Status Conference Hearing (@ 11am ET) – WI – Ethan J. Hauschultz (7) (April 20, 2018, Manitowoc; burned & buried in “coffin of snow”) – *Timothy Scott Hauschultz (48/now 55) (great uncle) charged (2/4/19) & arraigned (3/20/19) with first-degree reckless homicide, 3 counts of substantial battery & 3 counts of physical abuse of child — intentionally cause bodily harm, intentionally contributing to the delinquency of a child-death as a party to a crime, 2 counts of physical abuse of child — intentionally cause bodily harm, intentionally contributing to the delinquency of a child-felony & a misdemeanor battery. Plead not guilty. $100K cash bond. Reduction in bond denied (12/6/21). Bond reduced (3/16/22) to $75K cash. Posted $75 cash bond (6/15/22) with conditions. Manitowoc County
Trial set to begin on 10/1/25. There will be 5 alternate jurors.
Judge Robert Dewane presiding [as of 5/29/25]. Prosecutor Jacalyn Christie Labre. Defense attorney Donna Jean Kuchler & Bradley Novreske.
Court information from 2/4/19 thru 4/25/25 reference post #300 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...n-of-snow-manitowoc-april-2018.422615/page-15
4/28/25 Docket updates: Request & response regarding open records/records emailed 4/8/25. Notice of hearing. Scheduling conference on 5/28/25 @ 11am. 4/29/25 Docket update: Request & response regarding open records. 5/27/25 Docket update: State's 3rd amended witness list filed.
5/28/25 Update: Scheduling conference held with Judge Jerilyn N. Dietz presiding. Defendant Hauschultz appeared by video. Attorney Donna Jean Kuchler & attorney Bradley W Novreske appeared by video for Hauschultz. Attorney Jacalyn Christie Labre a& prosecuting attorney Jill L. Vendetti both appeared by video for the State of Wisconsin. Court has in depth colloquy with defendant regarding his right to making an in person appearance today. Defendant understands this right & waives his right to appear in person. Off the record it was brought to the Court's attention that Judge Dietz was the GAL for witnesses involved in this case. Court does not feel this causes a conflict as she has no recollection of said hearing. Although the Court does not recall this or feel it would be a conflict, it has no choice but to recuse itself. Notification will be made to have a new judge assigned. Application for specific judicial assign approved.
5/29/25 Docket updates: Order assigning judge/judicial assignment order filed by Mark R. Rohrer. Notice of assignment of Judge. Application for specific judicial assignment approved. Order assigning Judge/Judicial assignment Order for Judge Robert Dewane. Notice of assignment of Judge. 5/30/25 Docket update: Application for specific judicial assignment approved by Judge Robert Dewane. 5/30/25 Docket update: Application for specific judicial assignment approved; notice sent to co-defendant's attorney.
6/2/25 Order assigning Judge/Judicial assignment order by Judge Carey J. Reed. Notice of assignment of Judge; notice sent to co-defendant's attorney. 6/3/25 Docket update: Notice of status conference hearing on 7/11/25 @ 11am.
Hauschultzes were court appointed guardians for Ethan & his 2 siblings in 2016.
*Tina McKeever-Hauschultz (35/now 42) (great aunt) – 3/12/21: Plead no contest to 2 counts of child abuse-failing to prevent bodily harm & the 2 counts intentionally contributing to the delinquency of a child were dismissed. Sentenced to 5 years in prison & 5 years extended supervision. Was released in January, 2025 & now serving 5 year extended supervision.
*Damian L. Hauschultz (14/now 21) – Plea hearing on 6/25/21 & plead guilty to 1st degree reckless homicide & was sentenced on 9/2/21 to 20 years in prison & 10 years probation. Filed official appeal on 12/9/22. Court of Appeals acknowledged on 4/11/23. Appeals denied (3/13/24). His 2nd appeal was denied to heard in the Appeals Court (9/12/24)

 

[Niner]

New Judge!

Court activities
Date Time Location Description Type Court official
11-10-2025 08:30 am Manitowoc County Courthouse, Br. 1, Rm. 233 Review hearing Court Dewane, Robert
11-10-2025 08:30 am Manitowoc County Courthouse, Br. 1, Rm. 233 Motion hearing Court Reed, Carey J.

01-12-2026 01:00 pm Manitowoc County Courthouse, Br. 3, Rm. 212 Pre-trial conference Court Reed, Carey J.
01-12-2026 01:00 pm Manitowoc County Courthouse, Br. 3, Rm. 212 Review hearing Court Dewane, Robert

02-02-2026 08:30 am Manitowoc County Courthouse, Br. 3, Rm. 212 Jury trial Court Reed, Carey J.
02-03-2026 08:30 am Manitowoc County Courthouse, Br. 3, Rm. 212 Jury trial Court Reed, Carey J.
02-04-2026 08:30 am Manitowoc County Courthouse, Br. 3, Rm. 212 Jury trial Court Reed, Carey J.
02-05-2026 08:30 am Manitowoc County Courthouse, Br. 3, Rm. 212 Jury trial Court Reed, Carey J.
02-06-2026 08:30 am Manitowoc County Courthouse, Br. 3, Rm. 212 Jury trial Court Reed, Carey J.
02-09-2026 08:30 am Manitowoc County Courthouse, Br. 3, Rm. 212 Jury trial Court Reed, Carey J.
02-10-2026 08:30 am Manitowoc County Courthouse, Br. 3, Rm. 212 Jury trial Court Reed, Carey J.
02-11-2026 08:30 am Manitowoc County Courthouse, Br. 3, Rm. 212 Jury trial Court Reed, Carey J.
02-12-2026 08:30 am Manitowoc County Courthouse, Br. 3, Rm. 212 Jury trial Court Reed, Carey J.
02-13-2026 08:30 am Manitowoc County Courthouse, Br. 3, Rm. 212 Jury trial Court Reed, Carey J.


Court record
Date Event Court official Court reporter Amount
07-11-2025 Notice of hearing
Additional text:
Motion hearing on November 10, 2025 at 08:30 am.
Pre-trial conference on January 12, 2026 at 01:00 pm.
Jury trial on February 2, 2026 at 08:30 am.

07-11-2025 Video conferencing
07-11-2025 Scheduling conference Reed, Carey J. Douglas, Lynette
Additional text:
11:16 AM Defendant Timothy S HAUSCHULTZ appeared by video. Attorney Donna Jean Kuchler appeared by video for Timothy S HAUSCHULTZ. Attorney Bradley W Novreske appeared by video for Timothy S HAUSCHULTZ. Attorney Jacalyn Christie Labre appeared by video for State of Wisconsin. Prosecuting attorney Jill L. Vendetti appeared by video for the State of Wisconsin.

Parties are still discussing what the recusal of the previous judge means for this case. Court suggests setting jury trial date. Parties estimate a jury trial lasting around 2 weeks.
Judge asks for each party to submit a timeline to the Court . Timelines are due by the end of August.

Parties also require a date to address prior rulings on the various rulings/motions in this case. Any motions are due by 10-01-2025. Responses due 11-01-2025. Any replies due 11-07-2025.
Jury trial scheduled for February 2, 2026 at 08:30 am.
Pre-trial conference scheduled for January 12, 2026 at 01:00 pm.
Motion hearing scheduled for November 10, 2025 at 08:30 am.

link: Wisconsin Circuit Court Access

 

[Niner]

Looks like they had a hearing on Friday - and the trial was moved to a new date...

Hauschultz trial pushed back 3 weeks

The trial for a man charged in connection with his 7-year-old great-nephew's death has been delayed again.

fox11online.com

Court activities
Date Time Location Description Type Court official
11-10-2025 08:30 am Manitowoc County Courthouse, Br. 1, Rm. 233 Review hearing Court Dewane, Robert
11-10-2025 08:30 am Manitowoc County Courthouse, Br. 1, Rm. 233 Motion hearing Court Reed, Carey J.

01-12-2026 01:00 pm Manitowoc County Courthouse, Br. 3, Rm. 212 Pre-trial conference Court Reed, Carey J.
01-12-2026 01:00 pm Manitowoc County Courthouse, Br. 3, Rm. 212 Review hearing Court Dewane, Robert

02-23-2026 08:30 am Manitowoc County Courthouse, Br. 1, Rm. 233 Jury trial Court Reed, Carey J.
02-24-2026 08:30 am Manitowoc County Courthouse, Br. 1, Rm. 233 Jury trial Court Reed, Carey J.
02-25-2026 08:30 am Manitowoc County Courthouse, Br. 1, Rm. 233 Jury trial Court Reed, Carey J.
02-26-2026 08:30 am Manitowoc County Courthouse, Br. 1, Rm. 233 Jury trial Court Reed, Carey J.
02-27-2026 08:30 am Manitowoc County Courthouse, Br. 1, Rm. 233 Jury trial Court Reed, Carey J.
03-02-2026 08:30 am Manitowoc County Courthouse, Br. 1, Rm. 233 Jury trial Court Reed, Carey J.
03-03-2026 08:30 am Manitowoc County Courthouse, Br. 1, Rm. 233 Jury trial Court Reed, Carey J.
03-04-2026 08:30 am Manitowoc County Courthouse, Br. 1, Rm. 233 Jury trial Court Reed, Carey J.
03-05-2026 08:30 am Manitowoc County Courthouse, Br. 1, Rm. 233 Jury trial Court Reed, Carey J.
03-06-2026 08:30 am Manitowoc County Courthouse, Br. 1, Rm. 233 Jury trial Court Reed, Carey J.


Court record
Date Event Court official Court reporter Amount
08-01-2025 Video conferencing
08-01-2025 Scheduling conference Reed, Carey J. Girard, Grace
Additional text:
8:30 AM Attorney Donna Jean Kuchler appeared by video for Timothy S HAUSCHULTZ. Attorney Bradley W Novreske appeared by video for Timothy S HAUSCHULTZ. Attorney Jacalyn Christie Labre appeared by video for State of Wisconsin.
Clerk: Kristy Schiffer

Attorney Kuchler has requested the current jury trial be reset due to scheduling conflict.
Jury trial moved to begin 02/23/2026 and run through 03/06/2026. Counsel note that the trial could likely end sooner than 03/06/2026.
Jury trial on February 23, 2026 at 08:30 am (2 weeks)

08-01-2025 Notice of hearing
Additional text:
Jury trial on February 23, 2026 at 08:30 am.

07-31-2025 Letters/correspondence
Additional text:
Defense Trial Timeline

07-29-2025 Transcript
Additional text:
Transcript of Scheduling Conference on May 28, 2025.

07-24-2025 Request
Additional text:
Request to Waive Mr. Hauschultz Appearance

07-23-2025 Other papers
Additional text:
State's anticipated testimony

07-23-2025 Notice of hearing
Additional text:
Scheduling conference on August 1, 2025 at 08:30 am.

07-21-2025 Letters/correspondence
Additional text:
Letter from Attorney Kuchler to Judge Reed.


link: Wisconsin Circuit Court Access

 

[Gators North]

It seems that Timothy going to trial has taken as long as Ethan was alive!