CHILTON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A judge will decide if hiding a corpse charges should be dismissed due to statute of limitations concerns before ruling if John Andrews should go to trial for allegedly disposing of Starkie Swenson’s body at High Cliff State Park in 1983.
Swenson was killed in 1983, and Andrews was convicted in 1994 of homicide by negligent use a vehicle. Swenson’s remains were found in September 2021 by hikers at High Cliff State Park, prompting the charge of hiding a corpse.
However, Andrews’ attorneys have filed a motion to dismiss the charges, arguing the statute of limitations — requiring charges to filed within six years of the offense — has long since expired. Calumet County District Attorney Nathan Haberman has contended that since Andrews didn’t disclose to police in a June 2021 interview where the remains were, that constitutes an element of the hiding a corpse count.
In court Friday, Judge Carey Reed agreed to hear the motion to dismiss before a preliminary hearing is held. The two sides will submit written arguments, with a decision expected at a July 13 hearing.
According to the criminal complaint, at the time of the discovery of Swenson’s remains, forensic anthropologist Dr. Jordan Karsten, who excavated the remains, concluded the person was placed there either at the time of death or shortly after.
Andrews is free on a $10,000 signature bond.
In Andrews’ 1994 trial, prosecutors said he hit Swenson with his vehicle while Swenson was on a bicycle. Prosecutors said Andrews was upset because he and Swenson were romantically involved with the same woman.
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