Ingold currently lacks defense counsel

A status conference has been scheduled for a Shawano man who has been charged with first-degree intentional homicide on June 25.

Michael E. Ingold, 57, was charged Aug. 1 with one count of first-degree intentional homicide, after an autopsy report showed that a victim died from manual strangulation. If convicted, Ingold faces life in prison.

After searching for a public defender for Ingold, Judge William Kussel Jr. said that he had a report from the public defender’s office saying that Ingold is not eligible for a public defender at this time.

Kussel then asked Ingold, who appeared by Zoom, if he would be hiring a defense attorney for the case.

“I don’t have the funds for one, sir,” Ingold said.

Kussel responded by asking Ingold if he filled out a form with the public defender’s office, to which Ingold said that he did.

“You must have listed some property that you had, where they determined that you had sufficient funds for an attorney, right?” asked Kussel.

Ingold responded saying that he was not sure how much the property is worth and that it has a lien on it from the IRS.

“Is that lien more than what the property is worth?” asked Kussel.

Ingold once again responded that he was not sure.

Kussel then asked Ingold if he indicated that he had any source of income, when he filled out the form. Ingold responded that he was already released from his job when he filled out the form. When asked if he listed his former employer for employment, Ingold said: “I am not sure.”

“That could be the problem,” said Kussel.

Kussel advised Ingold that he should verify if he is still employed by his employer and to tell the public defender’s office.

“If you are no longer employed, that needs to be told to the public defender’s office,” said Kussel. “That could definitely affect your eligibility for a public defender appointed attorney.”

Kussel scheduled a status conference for Sept. 6 at 1:30 p.m.

lreimer@newmedia-wi.com