BROWN COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) – A Wednesday hearing covers dozens of motions tied to what evidence will be allowed in an upcoming Brown County murder trial.
George Burch is charged with killing Nicole VanderHeyden in 2016.
Burch wants a judge to reconsider not allowing evidence that could show a possible history of domestic violence for the man he wants to accuse of the murder, VanderHeyden’s boyfriend Douglass Detrie.
Burch Attorney Scott Stebbins believes showing a pattern of domestic abuse could help show Detrie’s motive and opportunity.
“If he’s done these things in the past, the jury needs to know, because they’re going to be left wondering how was this even possible?”
District Attorney David Lasee says that ruling should stand, since Detrie has never been convicted of a domestic abuse crime, despite currently being charged with one.
“Certainly there would be a trial in a trial here because there are allegations that were absolutely unproven.”
Jury selection is set to start next Friday.
