Sheboygan teens bound over for trial in great-grandmother killing
SHEBOYGAN, Wis. — Two 13-year-old Sheboygan boys will stand trial for allegedly killing and robbing one boy’s great grandmother, a judge decided Tuesday.
Judge Timothy Van Akkeren bound the teens over for trial after investigators testified the pair killed the woman for money because they believed she was rich and then used the money they stole to buy marijuana and pizza.
Agents with the Wisconsin Department of Criminal Investigation also testified that the boys each accused the other of striking what appears to be the fatal blow to 78-year-old Barbara Olson.
The boys appeared in court with their hands and feet shackled. They sat at separate tables with their respective attorneys, their heads bowed throughout most of the hearing.
Earlier Tuesday, Van Akkeren denied a defense motion to delay the hearing. Attorneys argued they didn’t receive access to all the state’s evidence, but the judge ruled state law doesn’t require it before the hearing.
Prosecutors allege the boys used a hatchet and a hammer to kill Olson in her home Sept. 17 before stealing jewelry and a car. Her daughter discovered her body in the garage two days later. The boys are charged as adults.
Investigators testified the boys used some of the money they allegedly stole — $155 and a roll of quarters — to buy marijuana and a pizza.
The boys remain held on $1 million bail. The Sheboygan Press reports defense attorneys will push to have the case sent to juvenile court.
The next court hearing is set for Nov. 2.
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