WI - Michael Meager, 8 of La Grange, IL Killed by Stepfather, Steven D. Merkel Jr., in Lake Geneva 20 January 2025

[Niner]

Just a docket update

Court record
Date Event Court official Court reporter Amount
08-11-2025 Demand for Discovery and Inspection - Defendant

08-11-2025 Stipulation
Additional text:
to Substitute Counsel

08-11-2025 Public defender order appointing counsel
Additional text:
Attorney Tyler Jochman

link: Wisconsin Circuit Court Access

 

[Niner]

Wednesday, August 27th:
*Plea Hearing (@ 1:15pm ET) - WI - Michael Meagher (8) shot by stepfather on Jan. 20, 2025 in Lake Geneva. *Steven D. Merkel, Jr. (52/now 53) arrested (1/20/25) & charged (1/21/25) with 1st degree reckless homicide & use of a dangerous weapon. Held in Walworth County jail. Cash bond $250K. Walworth County
Judge Kristine E. Drettwan assisgned judge. Judge David M. Reddy presided over initial appearances. Prosecutor Attorney Zeke S. Wiedenfeld. Defense attorneys Joshua Ryan-Polczinski & Makenzie Renner, public defenders.
Case info from 1/20/25 thru 6/17/25 reference post #19 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...kel-jr-in-lake-geneva-20-january-2025.735356/
7/1/25 Docket update: Notice of competency hearing from 7/8/25 to 7/29/25 @ 8:30am. 7/3/25 Docket update: Letters/correspondence from Brooke Lundbohm re extension. 7/18/25 Docket update: Competency report filed.
7/29/25 Update: Competency hearing held. Attorney Zeke S Wiedenfeld in court for State of Wisconsin. Defendant Merkel in court, in custody appearing via video from Walworth County Jail. Attorney Mackenzie Renner & attorney Joshua Ryan-Polczinski in court for Merkel. Court inquired if victim wished to be heard; no statement made. Defense is in agreement with competency report. Defendant is in agreement with competency report. State is in agreement with competency report. Attorney Ryan asked for a Plea hearing. Plea hearing scheduled for 8/27/25 @ 1:15pm.
8/11/25 Docket updates: Public defender order appointing counsel attorney Tyler Jochman. Stipulation to substitute Counsel. Demand for discovery & inspection by defendant.

 

[Niner]

Court activities
Date Time Location Description Type Court official
11-20-2025 09:00 am Walworth County Judicial Center - Room 3045 Sentencing hearing Court Drettwan, Kristine E.


Court record
Date Event Court official Court reporter Amount
08-27-2025 Other papers
Additional text:
Temporary Commitment

08-27-2025 Plea hearing Drettwan, Kristine E. Vorpahl, Jennifer
Additional text:
Defendant Steven D Merkel in court, in custody. Attorney Joshua Ryan-Polczinski in court for Steven D Merkel. Attorney Sempf in court for State of Wisconsin.
Court inquires if any victims present, victim present.
Defendant argues he is competent to proceed.
Attorney Ryan states discovery has been reviewed.
Plea questionnaire/waiver of rights filed.
Court has colloquy with defendant; pleads guilty to Count #1
Court gives WARNINGS regarding deportation, felon prohibited from firearm possession pursuant to Sec. 941.29, ineligibility to vote until civil rights restored
Plea is freely, knowingly, voluntarily made.
Court finds factual basis, accepts plea and adjudges defendant guilty on Count #1
PSI Ordered .
BOND REVOKED PENDING SENTENCING
Sentencing hearing scheduled for November 20, 2025 at 09:00 am.

08-27-2025 Plea questionnaire, waiver of rights
Additional text:
with Agreement

link: Wisconsin Circuit Court Access