MARINETTE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Raymand Vannieuwenhoven has been found competent to stand trial for the 1976 murders of a couple, and a July 29 trial date was set Wednesday.
Vannieuwenhoven, 83, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of David Schuldes, 25, and Ellen Matheys, 24.
The competency ruling means Vannieuwenhoven is able to understand the proceedings and assist in his own defense.
Judge James Morrison also reinstated the $1 million cash bond. The defense plans to ask for a reduction in that amount, said attorney Lee Schuchart.
A motions hearing is set for Jan. 29.
A two-week trial is scheduled.
The murders of Schuldes and Matheys were unsolved for more than four decades. Last year, a DNA sample from evidence at the crime scene was determined to be from a particular family. After samples tested from Vannieuwenhoven’s brothers weren’t a match, a sample from him – obtained from a licked envelope for a survey on police performance filled out by Raymand, according to the complaint.
Vannieuwenhoven also allegedly sexually assaulted Matheys — and DNA from evidence from the assault was eventually used to tie him to the crime scene. However, the sexual assault charge was dismissed because the statute of limitations has expired. There is no statute of limitation on homicide charges.
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