MANITOWOC COUNTY, Wis. – The trial of Timothy Hauschultz officially opened on Tuesday after opening statements from both the prosecution and defense. Hauschultz faces six counts, including neglect of a child resulting in death and intentionally contributing to the delinquency of a child resulting in death.
Background of the case
In April 2018, 7‑year‑old Ethan Hauschultz was found dead in a snowbank near the Hauschultz home in the town of Newton. According to the criminal complaint, Ethan was a foster child placed in the Hauschultz household. The complaint alleges that Ethan was ordered to memorize 13 Bible verses; when he could not, a punishment was prescribed that required him to carry a log for two hours around the backyard.
Timothy Hauschultz selected the logs and instructed his son, then‑14‑year‑old Damian Hauschultz, to supervise the punishment. The complaint states that during the punishment Ethan “struggled to carry his log” and that Damian “hit, kick, strike and poke Ethan approximately 100 times.” It further alleges that Damian stood on Ethan’s body and head while the boy lay face‑down in a puddle, and later buried him in about 80 pounds of packed snow, leaving him there for 20 to 30 minutes without a coat or boots.
Charges and prior convictions
Damian Hauschultz pleaded guilty to reckless homicide in June 2021 and received a 20‑year prison sentence, later extended by five years of supervision after a resentencing in June 2024. Their mother, Tina McKeever‑Hauschultz, served a five‑year term for her role in the events and was released to extended supervision in January 2024.
Timothy Hauschultz was originally charged with felony murder, but that charge was reduced last fall. Prosecutors argue that Hauschultz is responsible for Ethan’s death because he initiated the chain of events and left his son unsupervised. The defense maintains that Damian acted outside the scope of any instructions and bears sole responsibility.
Trial proceedings
Jury selection concluded on Monday, resulting in a balanced panel of seven men and seven women after questioning nearly 100 potential jurors. The trial is scheduled to last two weeks, during which the prosecution will present evidence of the alleged punishment plan and the defense will seek to separate Timothy Hauschultz’s liability from his son’s actions.
The case has drawn significant community attention, highlighting concerns about child welfare, parental responsibility, and the role of religious instruction in discipline. Local officials and child‑protective services have reiterated the importance of proper supervision and safe disciplinary practices.
Community response
Residents of Manitowoc County have expressed a mixture of sorrow for the tragic loss of a child and a desire for accountability. Faith leaders in the area have called for compassion while emphasizing the need for families to protect the most vulnerable members.
The trial will continue next week with the presentation of forensic evidence and testimony from witnesses who were present at the Hauschultz home during the incident.
Original reporting: FOX 11 WLUK Green Bay (local) — read the source article.
