A Wisconsin couple, along with their 16-year-old son, was arrested in the death of a 7-year-old boy who was severely beaten and buried in the snow for not memorizing Bible verses.
According to the Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Office, Timothy and Tina Hauschultz and their son were charged for the April 2018 death of Ethan Hauschultz. The medical examiners’ report showed Ethan died from hypothermia and blunt force trauma to the head, abdomen, and chest.
However, the press statement that was released after the boy’s death couldn’t possibly cover the full extent of the trauma and torture that Ethan was put through during the final moments of his life.
When the unthinkable happened, Ethan was in the care of Timothy Hauschultz and his wife, Tina, who were the court-appointed guardians for him and his twin brother. Also involved in Ethan’s torture was the Wisconsin couple’s son, who was 15 at the time of the incident. Investigations later found that Ethan was being punished for not being able to recite 13 Bible verses that Timothy had selected.
For failing to remember the verses correctly, Timothy handed down a punishment to young Ethan, which included carrying a 44-pound heavy log that was two-thirds of the boy’s body weight. Timothy gave his 15-year-old son the responsibility of supervising Ethan as he fulfilled his punishment of carrying the heavy log on a set path that was covered with snow outside their home, according to FOX 11.
As Ethan struggled under the weight of the log, the 15-year-old son would hit and kick him over and over again, possibly sticking him around 100 times before rolling the heavy log over the boy’s chest. When Ethan‘s face was shoved in a puddle, the 15-year-old boy stood on his face and later, left him buried in a snowbank. For 20 minutes, Ethan was made to stay in the snowbank, wearing neither boots nor a coat. During the horrifying ordeal, Ethan’s twin was also punished along with his brother.
“Over the course of 1–1.5 hours, the 15-year-old hit, kicked, struck, and poked Ethan numerous times. He repeatedly shoved Ethan to the ground and rolled the heavy log across Ethan’s chest…” said the release that included details from the sheriff’s office’s investigation, according to Herald Times Reporter. “Timothy and Tina eventually transported Ethan to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.”
The case brought about a new Wisconsin law, known as “Ethan’s Law,” which prevents children from being placed with people who’ve been convicted of child abuse.
“No kid should ever have to experience what Ethan went through,” Gov. Tony Evers said. “This bill is an important step in helping protect our kids, keep them safe, and ensure that every kid has the opportunity to lead a happy, healthy life.”
Manitowoc County social services workers removed Ethan and his three siblings from their biological parents’ care in 2017, after finding the children were being abused and neglected by their father. The children were sent to live with Timothy Hauschultz, who was convicted in 2019 of child abuse.
Meanwhile, Timothy Hauschultz is facing felony murder and numerous related charges. He remains behind bars without bail. His trial date has been scheduled for December 6.
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