GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The attorneys for a man accused of killing a Ledgeview woman last spring say they have evidence her boyfriend committed the crime.
A motion filed Friday reveals the arguments George Burch’s attorney wants to present at trial.
But first, a judge must decide if the arguments will be allowed.
The attorneys for George Burch believe there is motive, opportunity, and a direct connection to show Douglass Detrie murdered his girlfriend, Nicole VanderHeyden, last May.
Detrie was originally arrested after the murder, but was released from jail two weeks later, and no charges were ever filed against him.
Burch was arrested three months later in September.
At that time, Brown County Sheriff’s investigators said Detrie was no longer a suspect.
WLUK reports in the newly filed motion, Burch’s attorneys outline why they believe Detrie is responsible for the crime.
In the motion, Burch’s attorneys point out that Detrie and VanderHeyden were out drinking the night of the murder and were seen fighting throughout the night.
The court documents state the two separated and then VanderHeyden met Burch at a bar on Broadway.
Burch’s attorneys go onto say that after a few drinks, Burch drove VanderHeyden to the Bellevue home she shared with Detrie.
In the court documents, Burch’s lawyers say while Burch and VanderHeyden were in Burch’s vehicle, Detrie came outside and struck Burch in the back of the head.
The motion states when Burch gathered himself, Detrie was holding a gun to his head and VanderHeyden was unconscious and beaten.
Then, Detrie used his gun to order Burch to drive him and VanderHeyden’s body to the Bellevue field where she was eventually found dead.
Burch’s attorneys state in the court documents that Burch did not discuss the matter because he knew the police arrested the correct person.
On June 16th, Judge John Zakowski is expected to determine whether the arguments in the motion can be used during the trial.
In the criminal complaint against Burch, investigators say they found Burch’s DNA on VanderHeyden’s body, clothes, and evidence found at the alleged murder scene outside VanderHeyden’s home. The complaint also states Burch’s cell phone records put him at the murder scene and the Bellevue field.
