Kenneth Hudson appears before Marinette County court via Zoom, February 24, 2023. PC: Fox 11 Online
MARINETTE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A judge removed Kenneth Hudson’s lawyer from his appeal for the 2000 murder of Shanna Van Dyn Hoven – and gave Hudson a deadline for his latest motions, while sending a message to Hudson and Van Dyn Hoven’s family.
Hudson is serving a life prison term for the June 25, 2000, murder of Van Dyn Hoven, 19. She was killed while jogging in a Kaukauna park. Hudson was also sentenced to consecutive sentences after that for kidnapping, attempted homicide and recklessly endangering safety, totaling another 70 years in prison. Since sentencing, Hudson has filed more than a dozen appeals and motions — usually focusing on claims he was framed — and all have failed.
Hudson had a deadline last fall to file what Marinette County Judge James Morrison has described as one final, “all-encompassing motion” to address any remaining issues. However, shortly before the deadline, Hudson hired attorney Michael Balskus. Outagamie County District Attorney Melinda Tempelis objected, noting Balskus worked in the district attorney’s office while Hudson was prosecuted – and therefore shouldn’t be allowed to represent him per state Supreme Court rules. Tempelis also raised concerns with documents Balskus had removed from the office, which Morrison ordered Balskus to provide.
Balskus turned some documents over to Tempelis, but Judge Morrison ruled Friday Balskus did not follow the terms of his order on what should have been provided. Morrison ruled Balskus “lacked candor and cooperation” with the court, and removed him from the case. Hudson and Balskus may appeal that decision, they said.
As for all-encompassing motion, Hudson now has until March 31 to file that brief. Prosecutors will reply, with a hearing scheduled for May 12.
Hudson objected to the timeline, but Judge Morrison was insistent, noting how close the previous deadline was last fall.
“Mr. Hudson, you were within days of your deadline when you hired Mr. Balskus. (Hudson interrupts.) You have had carpal tunnel syndrome, you’ve had illnesses. You’ve had continuance after continuance. And, in the meantime, the Van Dyn Hovens sit here, and pray for an end to this nightmare. (Hudson interrupts). I have a responsibility under Marsy’s Law to protect their rights as much I have bent over backwards to protect your rights,” Judge Morrison said.
Hudson is currently serving his sentence at the Oshkosh Correctional Institution.
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