MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ) – Fifteen-year-old Damian Hauschultz is in court today as his attorney is petitioning to have his case moved to juvenile court.
Hauschultz is charged with first-degree reckless homicide and six other charges in the death of 7-year-old Ethan Hauschultz. Ethan Hauschultz was beaten, forced to carry a 44-pound-log, and was buried in the snow before he died in April 2018.
So far, a forensic psychologist, Dr. Deborah Collins, and a Manitowoc County social worker have testified.
Collins said after meeting with Damian Hauschultz she diagnosed him with an unspecified anxiety disorder and unspecified trauma.
“For years leading up to the offense he experienced psychological and physical abuse on multiple occasions,” said Collins.
Collins recommended his case be heard in juvenile court.
“He requires treatment for his trauma. He should get that treatment for his trauma by someone who knows how to assess the youth and treat the youth with Damian’s history,” said Collins.
The Manitowoc County social worker who worked with Hauschultz, Rodney Zahn, also said incarceration would not be helpful adding it would only increase his risk.
More officials are expected to testify this afternoon, including police.
Whether or not Hauschultz is charged as a child or an adult, he will be placed in a juvenile facility until he’s 18 years old.
