Judge postpones hearing in Siepmann murder

Richard Wilson, 17, is escorted into a hearing room May 10 at the Waukesha County Courthouse. A judge on Monday postponed a competency hearing after a lawyer for Wilson dropped out of the case. (File photo by Kevin Harnack)

A Waukesha judge Monday postponed a competency hearing for alleged murderer Richard Wilson because a new defense attorney is taking over the case.

Wilson’s attorney, Jennifer Dorow, notified the court that Michael Steinle, of Terschan, Steinle & Ness in Milwaukee, will be taking over as defense counsel.

Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge Bill Domina rescheduled the competency hearing for 10 a.m. Wednesday in his court, pending Wilson’s signature authorizing the substitution.

Dorow declined to say Monday why she withdrew as defense attorney. She met with members of the Wilson family behind closed doors moments before Monday’s brief hearing.

Waukesha County District Attorney Brad Schimel said he was notified of the change Monday morning, but he declined to comment on the cause.

Wilson is charged with killing his grandfather, Pewaukee developer Ron Siepmann, May 8 at Siepmann’s town of Merton home.

On June 2, Domina suspended the murder case against the 17-year-old on the grounds the defendant is unable to understand the charges against him.

Since then, Wilson has been confined to the Mendota Mental Health Institution in Madison for treatment.

The hearing Wednesday is to evaluate whether Wilson has regained competency to face charges.

— Jack Zemlicka

Read more on the case

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• Wilson found competent to stand trial in developer murder (UPDATE)
• Judge postpones hearing in Siepmann murder
• Judge temporarily suspends case in developer’s slaying
• Competency in question for teen in developer slaying (UPDATE)
• Grandson charged with developer’s murder (UPDATE)