On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, News Talk WTAQ reported that a Manitowoc County judge stepped down from a case involving the 2018 death of a 7-year-old boy due to a potential conflict of interest. The decision is expected to further delay the trial of Timothy Hauschultz, who faces charges related to the death of his great-nephew, Ethan Hauschultz.
Judge Jerilyn Dietz announced her recusal during a court session after it was revealed she had previously served as the guardian ad litem for witnesses in the case. Although she stated she had no memory of this involvement, the conflict necessitated her withdrawal. Both the prosecution, led by District Attorney Jacalyn LaBre, and the defense, represented by attorney Donna Kuchler, supported the judge’s decision.
Timothy Hauschultz, who was Ethan’s legal guardian at the time of the boy’s death, is charged with eight counts, including felony murder. The incident occurred in April 2018 at a home in the town of Newton, where Ethan was found dead in a snowbank. Authorities allege Timothy ordered a punishment that led to the boy’s death. His trial was scheduled to begin on October 1, but the reassignment of the case to a new judge makes it unlikely that this date will hold.
The Director of the State Courts Office will now appoint a new judge to oversee the case. Once appointed, the new judge is expected to hold a status conference to review the case’s progress and set a new trial date. One unresolved pretrial issue is a defense motion requesting that a jury from outside Manitowoc County be selected to hear the case, citing potential local bias.
According to court documents, on April 20, 2018, Timothy instructed his then-14-year-old son, Damian Hauschultz, to ensure that Ethan completed a punishment for failing to memorize 13 Bible verses to Timothy’s satisfaction. The punishment required Ethan to carry a heavy log for two hours daily over the course of a week. Damian was tasked with supervising the punishment for Ethan and other younger children.
The complaint alleges that during this time, Ethan struggled to carry the log, and Damian struck him approximately 100 times, including hitting, kicking, and poking. It further claims Damian stood on Ethan’s body and head while the boy was face-down in a puddle and buried him in about 80 pounds of packed snow for 20 to 30 minutes. Ethan was left without a coat or boots during the ordeal.
Neither Timothy nor his wife, Tina McKeever-Hauschultz, was present at the home when Ethan died. Damian, now 21, pleaded guilty to reckless homicide in connection with Ethan’s death and was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Tina McKeever-Hauschultz was convicted for her role in failing to prevent the events leading to Ethan’s death and served a five-year prison term. She was released to extended supervision in 2024.
The case faced significant delays as Damian’s trial and appeals progressed through the court system. With his appeals now exhausted, Damian is available to testify in Timothy’s trial. The reassignment of the case to a new judge marks another step in the ongoing legal proceedings surrounding the tragic death of Ethan Hauschultz.
Source: News Talk WTAQ
