APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A Kaukauna man backed out of an apparent plea deal Monday for killing his two children.
Matthew Beyer, 37, is charged with two counts of first-degree intentional homicide for allegedly killing William, 5, and Danielle, 3, who were found dead in their Kaukauna home in February 2020. A two-week trial is scheduled to start Sept. 6.
William Beyer, 5, and Danielle Beyer, 3, were found dead in their Kaukauna home Feb. 17. February 28, 2020. (WLUK)
Last week, a hearing was scheduled for Monday with the understanding Beyer would enter a plea and be convicted. But that didn’t happen.
“Mr. Beyer no longer wants to enter a plea,” defense attorney Amanda Skorr said. She did not provide a reason for the change.
The remainder of hearing was spent by Judge Mark McGinnis making sure the parties will be ready for trial Sept. 6.
Outagamie County District Attorney Melinda Tempelis said the state crime lab is using new technology to test and re-test DNA samples, with reports continuing to come in.
Skorr said she didn’t know how long her expert would need to review the material, since it’s unknown what the reports will include.
Judge McGinnis instructed the state to have reports done by June 1, to give the defense adequate time to review – and for prosecutors to respond to whatever the defense develops in reply.
If convicted of a count of first-degree intentional homicide, a life sentence is automatic with a judge then deciding if or when Beyer could be eligible for parole. If convicted of two counts, the sentences could be ordered to be served back-to-back.
Police tape surrounds a home on Crooks Avenue in Kaukauna Feb. 17, 2020, after two people were found dead. (WLUK/Chris Schattl)
The children’s mother called police on Feb. 17, 2020, to report their deaths. The mother and Beyer both admitted they did not have a good relationship with each other, and were scheduled to appear in court later that day for a family court hearing.
Beyer initially denied being at the scene but later admitted he was at the house — though he has denied killing them.
According to the autopsies, the children suffered multiple “sharp force” injuries.
Beyer was arrested in June 2020, with a $2.5 million cash bond set. In December 2020, a trial date in November 2021 was set, but that was postponed due competency issues. In October 2021, the trial date for this fall was set.
Beyer also faces charges of taking a hostage and attempted escape in connection with an unsuccessful attempt to escape from the Outagamie County jail in June 2020.
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