Great Uncle Accused of Murdering Boy, 7, by Forcing Him to Carry Logs in Freezing Wisconsin Cold

A seven-year-old boy died from hypothermia and blunt-force injuries after allegedly being forced to carry a 44-pound log in freezing Wisconsin weather as punishment ordered by his great-uncle and legal guardian for failing to learn Bible verses.

Timothy Hauschultz, 56, is on trial in Manitowoc County for the death of his great-nephew, Ethan Hauschultz, who weighed 62 pounds when he died on April 20, 2018. Prosecutors allege Timothy orchestrated the sequence of events that led to Ethan’s death, even though he was not present for the final moments of abuse.

Jurors heard Wednesday that Ethan and his twin brother were regularly subjected to carrying heavy logs around a backyard track as punishment. On the day of his death, Ethan was reportedly punished for failing to learn 13 Bible verses. Evidence presented in court indicated Ethan’s log weighed over 44 pounds, while his twin brother carried a 35.6-pound log.

Timothy's teenage stepson at the time, Damian Hauschultz, who was 14, testified that Timothy approved the logs and instructed him to ensure the children followed orders. Damian admitted to hitting, kicking, and striking the boys with a branch and belt when they struggled and dropped their logs.

According to the criminal complaint, Damian struck, kicked, and poked Ethan approximately 100 times. He also allegedly stood on the child’s body and head while Ethan lay face-down in a puddle. When Ethan eventually collapsed and stopped responding, Damian initially believed he was faking and attempted to force him to move. Instead of seeking immediate medical help, Damian covered Ethan with snow, creating a "snow coffin," according to Court TV. Ethan remained buried in snow for about 20 minutes before Damian uncovered him and realized the severity of the situation.

Damian testified that he called Timothy and his wife, Tina McKeever-Hauschultz, after Ethan stopped moving. Upon their arrival, they attempted to warm the child with a bath and fresh clothes before taking him to the hospital. Doctors worked for hours to revive Ethan, whose internal body temperature had dropped to 73 degrees Fahrenheit.

Damian Hauschultz pleaded guilty to first-degree reckless homicide in June 2021 and was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Tina McKeever-Hauschultz was sentenced to five years for her role and has since been released to extended supervision. The legal proceedings against Timothy were delayed for years due to Damian's pending appeals, which complicated his potential testimony against his stepfather.

Prosecutors argue that Timothy bears responsibility for Ethan's death because he devised the punishment, selected the logs, and left Damian in charge. The defense contends that Damian acted independently and that the violence exceeded any instructions given by Timothy. Damian acknowledged under cross-examination that Timothy had never ordered him to harm the children and admitted to losing control of his emotions due to frustration.

Timothy Hauschultz has denied responsibility for the boy’s death. He faces six felony charges, including neglect of a child resulting in death and intentionally contributing to the delinquency of a child resulting in death. The trial continues in Manitowoc County.