WI - Michael Meager, 9 of La Grange, IL Killed by Stepfather, Steven D. Merkel Jr., in Lake Geneva 20 January 2025

[tlcya]

He is charged with first-degree reckless homicide and is being held in the Walworth County Jail, police said. It’s unclear if he has entered a plea or retained an attorney to speak on his behalf.
9-Year-Old Who Was 'Beloved by All' Is Fatally Shot, and Stepfather Is Suspect

The Town of Geneva — a "town" in Wisconsin being the equivalent to a township in Illinois — announced that on Monday, its police officers were called to W3985 Lincoln Ave. for a boy who had been shot.
West suburban Chicago boy shot, killed near Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Geneva Police Chief Anthony Miceli shared that it was a difficult and traumatic scene for his officers.
‘Bright, funny boy’: 9-year-old dies in shooting; stepdad arrested, reports say

"One of the hardest calls for any officer to go to. My officers, the officers that responded from all over," said Town of Geneva Police Chief Anthony Miceli.
Town of Geneva fatal shooting; 9-year-old boy dead, stepdad in custody

Michael leaves two sisters behind, the second grader was said to be having a weekend visit. Prayers for his siblings, other loved ones, and schoolmates.

 

[Niner]

Following - nothing in the court site yet for this case. I'll keep my eye out!

 

[ChatteringBirds]

I'll be following this case. It's utterly heartbreaking. There is absolutely no excuse for this to have happened.

 

[tlcya]

Walworth County Case Number 2025CF000057 State of Wisconsin vs. Steven D Merkel
COURT RECORD SITE LINK
Merkel appeared in court yesterday, cash bond is set at $250,000.00. Should he make bond the conditions are set forth. Effective today he has been assigned a public defender. Said counsel has demanded to inspect discovery. his next appearance is set for 01-27-2025 at 01:15 pm at the Walworth County Judicial Center - Room 3021

 

[Niner]

Walworth County Case Number 2025CF000057 State of Wisconsin vs. Steven D Merkel
COURT RECORD SITE LINK
Merkel appeared in court yesterday, cash bond is set at $250,000.00. Should he make bond the conditions are set forth. Effective today he has been assigned a public defender. Said counsel has demanded to inspect discovery. his next appearance is set for 01-27-2025 at 01:15 pm at the Walworth County Judicial Center - Room 3021

Thanks for info!

 

[Niner]

Monday, January 27th:
*Initial Appearance Hearing (@ 1:15pm ET) - WI - Michael Meagher (9) shot by stepfather on Jan. 20, 2025 in Lake Geneva. *Steven D. Merkel, Jr. (52) arrested (1/20/25) & charged (1/21/25) with 1st degree reckless homicide & use of a dangerous weapon. Held in Walworth County jail. Cash bond $250K. Walworth County
Judge Kristine E. Drettwan assisgned judge. Judge David M. Reddy presided over initial appearances. Prosecutor Attorney Zeke S. Wiedenfeld. Defense attorneys Joshua Ryan-Polczinski & Makenzie Renner, public defenders.
Case info: Officers were called to a home in Lake Geneva, Wis., on a report of a shooting at around 2:25am on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025 according to a news release from the Town of Geneva Police Dept. Police said a boy had been shot & was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
1/21/25 Update: Video conferencing. Bail/bond hearing before Judge David M. Reddy. Notice of arrest; received documents. Charged with 1st degree reckless homicide & use of a dangerous weapon. Defendant Merkel appeared by video, in custody. Attorney Ryan in court for the Defendant for bond purposes only. Attorney Pozorski Jr. appears for the State. Defendant does qualify for SPD. Discussion as to bond. Record by the State as to criminal history. Record by Attorney Ryan. Response by the Court. Cash Bond set at $250K. Defendant shall not possess or consume alcohol. Defendant shall not possess or use illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia. Defendant will not possess any firearms, ammunition or other weapons. Defendant will not in any way contact or attempt to contact any victim(s) listed & will avoid their residence/place of employment or any place they are located & will avoid causing any other person, other than defendant's attorney, from doing so on defendant's behalf. The term "no contact" is hereby defined as through the mail, by telephone, by way of electronic device, in person, or through a third party. victim(s)/Residence(s): No contact with victim's (M.M.V dob 6/2/16) family or residences. No unsupervised contact with any children. Defendant shall personally ensure that payments are made under any Order for Income Withholding if the Court appoints an attorney for the defendant.
1/22/25 Docket update: Cash bond signed [$250K]. 1/23/25 Docket updates: Complaint filed. Case initiated by electronic filing. Electronic filing notice. Victim identification key. Motion to seal document. Proposed Order to seal victim witness key. Letters/correspondence from DA re: Costs.
1/23/25 Update: Video conferencing. Initial appearance before Judge David M. Reddy. Called at 1:27pm. Appearances made by defendant Merkel appeared by video, in custody. Attorney Josh Ryan in court for defendant specially. Attorney Zeke S. Wiedenfeld in court for State of Wisconsin. Record by Attorney Ryan that SPD needs to appoint, asks that matter be set over to Monday. No objection by State. Victims present but do not wish to make a statement at this time. Adjourned initial appearance scheduled for 1/27/25 @ 1:15pm. 1/23/25 Docket update: Order. To Seal Victim Witness Key. The original document was titled: Victim Witness Identification Key. The original history event date is 1/23/25 by Judge Kristine Drettwan.
1/24/25 Docket updates: Defendant's demand for Discovery & Inspection. Public defender order appointing counsel: Attorneys Makenzie Renner & Attorney Joshua Ryan-Polczinski.

 

[Niner]

Here is his complete docket since I did not post all of this yet.

Court activities
Date Time Location Description Type Court official
04-15-2025 08:30 am Walworth County Judicial Center - Room 3045 Status conference Court Drettwan, Kristine E.


Court record
Date Event Court official Court reporter Amount
01-27-2025 Motion
Additional text:
for Protective Order
01-27-2025 Notice of motion, motion
Additional text:
for Establishment of Discovery Timelines
01-27-2025 Demand for Discovery and Inspection - Prosecutor
01-27-2025 Information
01-27-2025 Pre-trial order Drettwan, Kristine E.
Additional text:
Scheduling Order will be provided to Attys via e-filing by the Court
01-27-2025 Arraignment Scholtz, Estee Annen, Marilyn
Additional text:
Arraignment held on 1/27/25, NG Plea entered
01-27-2025 Video conferencing
01-27-2025 Waiver of preliminary hearing Scholtz, Estee Annen, Marilyn
Additional text:
Defendant Steven D Merkel appeared by video, in custody. Attorney Mackenzie Renner in court for Steven D Merkel. Attorney Joshua Ryan-Polczinski in court for Steven D Merkel. Attorney Zeke S Wiedenfeld in court for State of Wisconsin.
Court inquires if any victims present, no response.
Initial Appearance. Reading waived.
Defendant agrees to proceed with waiver via video
Preliminary Hearing Questionnaire and Waiver filed.
Deft waives right to a Preliminary Hearing & Court proceeds to Arraignment.
Court finds probable cause to bind the defendant over for Trial.
Copy of Information provided to Defense
NG plea entered on all Counts by Defense, Speedy trial reserved
Scheduling Order will be provided to Attys via e-filing by the Court
Defense is asking for 90 days, States not objecting
Status conference scheduled for April 15, 2025 at 08:30 am.
01-27-2025 Prelim questionnaire and waiver

01-24-2025 Demand for Discovery and Inspection - Defendant
01-24-2025 Public defender order appointing counsel
Additional text:
Attorney Makenzie Renner and Attorney Ryan

01-23-2025 Video conferencing
01-23-2025 Initial appearance Reddy, David M. Adams, Adrianne
Additional text:
Called at 1:27PM, Appearances made
Defendant Steven D Merkel appeared by video, in custody. Attorney Josh Ryan in court for defendant specially. Attorney Zeke S Wiedenfeld in court for State of Wisconsin.
Record by Attorney Ryan that SPD needs to appoint, asks that matter be set over to Monday
No objection by State
Victims present but do not wish to make a statement at this time
Adjourned initial appearance scheduled for January 27, 2025 at 01:15 pm.
01-23-2025 Order Drettwan, Kristine E.
Additional text:
to Seal Victim Witness Key
The original document was titled: Victim Witness Identification Key
The original history event date is: 01-23-2025
01-23-2025 Letters/correspondence
Additional text:
from DA RE: Costs
01-23-2025 Proposed Order
Additional text:
to Seal Victim Witness Key
01-23-2025 Motion to Seal Document
01-23-2025 Victim Identification Key
01-23-2025 Electronic Filing Notice
01-23-2025 Case initiated by electronic filing
01-23-2025 Complaint filed

01-22-2025 Cash bond signed $250,000.00

01-21-2025 Notice
Additional text:
of arrest
01-21-2025 Received documents
01-21-2025 Bail/bond hearing Reddy, David M. Matoska, Linda
Additional text:
Defendant Steven D Merkel appeared by video, in custody. Attorney Ryan in court for the Defendant for bond purposes only. Attorney Pozorski Jr. appears for the State.
Defendant does qualify for SPD
Discussion as to bond.
Record by the State as to criminal history.
Record by Attorney Ryan.
Response by the Court.
Bond set.
Hearing scheduled for January 23, 2025 at 01:15 pm.
01-21-2025 Video conferencing
01-21-2025 Cash bond set for Merkel, Steven D Reddy, David M. Matoska, Linda $250,000.00
Additional text:
Defendant shall not possess or consume alcohol.
Defendant shall not possess or use illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia.
Defendant will not possess any firearms, ammunition or other weapons.
Defendant will not in any way contact or attempt to contact any victim(s) listed and will avoid their residence/place of employment or any place they are located and will avoid causing any other person, other than defendant's attorney, from doing so on defendant's behalf. The term "no contact" is hereby defined as through the mail, by telephone, by way of electronic device, in person, or through a third party. VICTIM(S)/RESIDENCE(S): No contact with victim's (M.M.V dob 06/02/2016) family or residences.
No unsupervised contact with any children.
Defendant shall personally ensure that payments are made under any Order for Income Withholding if the Court appoints an attorney for the defendant.

link: Wisconsin Circuit Court Access

 

[Marg from Oz]

What was he doing with a fire arm at 2.30am? MOO

 

[Soulmagent]

‘Bright, funny boy’: 9-year-old dies in shooting; stepdad arrested, reports say
WALWORTH COUNTY, Wis. (Gray News) - A young boy has reportedly died in a shooting and his stepfather is under arrest.

According to the Lake Geneva Police Department, officers were called to a reported shooting at a residence on Lincoln Avenue Monday at about 2 a.m.

 

[Niner]

Looks like he had a hearing in February.

Docket update

Court record
Date Event Court official Court reporter Amount
02-03-2025 Order Drettwan, Kristine E.
Additional text:
for Protection

02-03-2025 Proposed Order
Additional text:
for Protection

02-03-2025 Hearing Drettwan, Kristine E. Vorpahl, Jennifer
Additional text:
8:31 AM case called. Appearance made. Attorney Zeke S Wiedenfeld in court for State of Wisconsin. Defendant Steven D Merkel in court, in custody appearing via video from Walworth County Jail. Attorney Mackenzie Renner in court for Steven D Merkel. Attorney Joshua Ryan-Polczinski in court for Steven D Merkel.

Court asks the State to make offer of proof for protective order.
Atty Wiedenfeld states offer of proof for protective order on record.
Atty Ryan makes statement as to the State's offer of proof and as to discovery.
State in compliance with victim rights.

Court makes findings.
Court grants the State's request for a protective order.

Atty Renner states she will be requesting the full litigations packet form the medical examiner's office.

8:40 am case adjourned.

01-28-2025 Confidential Crime Victim Information
01-28-2025 Motion
Additional text:
to Compel Discovery

link: Wisconsin Circuit Court Access

 

[Niner]

Tuesday, April 15th:
*Status Conference Hearing (@ 8:30am ET) - WI - Michael Meagher (9) shot by stepfather on Jan. 20, 2025 in Lake Geneva. *Steven D. Merkel, Jr. (52) arrested (1/20/25) & charged (1/21/25) with 1st degree reckless homicide & use of a dangerous weapon. Held in Walworth County jail. Cash bond $250K. Walworth County
Judge Kristine E. Drettwan assisgned judge. Judge David M. Reddy presided over initial appearances. Prosecutor Attorney Zeke S. Wiedenfeld. Defense attorneys Joshua Ryan-Polczinski & Makenzie Renner, public defenders.
Case info from 1/20/25 thru 1/23/25 reference post #6 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...kel-jr-in-lake-geneva-20-january-2025.735356/
1/24/25 Docket updates: Defendant's demand for Discovery & Inspection. Public defender order appointing counsel: Attorneys Makenzie Renner & Attorney Joshua Ryan-Polczinski. Initial appearance hearing on 1/27/25 @ 1:15pm.
1/27/25 Docket update: Prelim questionnaire & waiver. Defendant Merkel appeared by video, in custody. Attorneys Mackenzie Renner & Joshua Ryan-Polczinski in court for Merkel. Attorney Zeke S. Wiedenfeld in court for State of Wisconsin. Court inquires if any victims present, no response. Initial Appearance. Reading waived. Defendant agrees to proceed with waiver via video. Preliminary Hearing Questionnaire & Waiver filed. Defendant waives right to a Preliminary Hearing & Court proceeds to Arraignment. Court finds probable cause to bind the defendant over for Trial. Copy of Information provided to Defense. Not Guilty plea entered on all Counts by Defense, Speedy trial reserved. Scheduling Order will be provided to Attorneys via e-filing by the Court. Defense is asking for 90 days, States not objecting. Status conference hearing scheduled on 4/15/25 @ 8:30am. Demand for Discovery & Inspection by Prosecutor. Notice of motion for establishment of discovery timelines. Motion for Protective Order. 1/28/25 Docket updates: Motion to compel discovery. Confidential Crim Victim information.
2/3/25 Update: Hearing with Judge Kristine E. Drettwan presiding. Appearance made. Attorney Zeke S Wiedenfeld in court for State of Wisconsin. Defendant Merkel in court, in custody appearing via video from Walworth County Jail. Attorney Mackenzie Renner & Attorney Joshua Ryan-Polczinski in court for Merkel. Court asks the State to make offer of proof for protective order. Attorney Wiedenfeld states offer of proof for protective order on record. Attorney Ryan makes statement as to the State's offer of proof & as to discovery. State in compliance with victim rights. Court makes findings. Court grants the State's request for a protective order. Attorneyy Renner states she will be requesting the full litigations packet form the medical examiner's office. Proposed Order for Protection by Judge Drettwan.

 

[Niner]

Court activities
Date Time Location Description Type Court official
06-17-2025 08:30 am Walworth County Judicial Center - Room 3045 Status conference Court Drettwan, Kristine E.


Court record
Date Event Court official Court reporter Amount
04-15-2025 Status conference Drettwan, Kristine E. Vorpahl, Jennifer
Additional text:
Prosecuting attorney Anthony Pozorski Jr. in court for the State of Wisconsin. Defendant Steven D Merkel in court, in custody appearing via video from Walworth County Jail. Attorney Mackenzie Renner in court for Steven D Merkel.

Court inquired if victim wished to be heard; no statement made.

Atty Renner asking for 45-60 days.
Atty Renner is requesting motion deadlines to be extended until next hearing date.
Court grants deadlines extension until nexy court date.
Status conference scheduled for June 17, 2025 at 08:30 am.

link: Wisconsin Circuit Court Access