BROWN COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) – Attorneys for the man accused of killing a woman whose body was found in a Bellevue field last May want to introduce new evidence that would put the blame on someone else.
George Burch had a status conference in a Brown County courtroom Friday on a First Degree Intentional Homicide charge. Burch is accused of murdering Nicole VanderHeyden.
VanderHeyden’s boyfriend was originally arrested in connection with the murder but was released with charges.
Months later, Burch was taken into custody and charged.
According to the criminal complaint, VanderHeyden and her boyfriend got into an argument at a bar and went separate ways the night of her death.
Although the complaint offers no witnesses or motive, investigators say Burch’s cell phone records place him near the bar VanderHeyden was last seen, her home, and the field where her body was found.The defense has submitted a ‘Denny’ motion, which requires them to provide evidence that another person had both a motive and the opportunity to commit the crime.
Details of the motion were not released but could be made available when Burch returns to court on April 21.
A trial is expected to start October 2 and last over one week.
Burch has pleaded not guilty to the crime and faces life in prison, if convicted.
