A Marathon County judge has ruled that one of the Weston parents charged with reckless homicide in the death of their diabetic daughter qualifies for a county-appointed attorney.
Prosecutors argued that Dale Neumann could use assets from his home, his cars, and his business to pay for a private attorney. However, a judge ruled that not all of those assets are liquid and can't be easily transferred for legal expenses. Judge Vincent Howard appointed an attorney at County expense, and ordered Neumann to pay a reduced rate of $70 an hour.
The other parent charged, Leilani Neumann, has retained a private attorney. Her legal costs are being paid out of defense fund set up by family and friends.
The Neumann's are accused of reckless homicide in the death of their 11-year-old daughter Kara, who died on Easter Sunday from an undiagnosed case of diabetes. Prosecutors say the parents prayed over their daughter, rather than seeking medical attention for her. They are expected to file motions challenging the charges against them on religious grounds, before the case proceeds any further.
