7-Year-Old Boy Dies From Severe Punishment For Not Knowing Bible Verses

Following a postmortem exam, the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner concluded that Ethan Hauschultz died of hypothermia. The report also noted that Ethan suffered blunt-force injuries to his head, chest, and abdomen, and he sustained a rib fracture.

February 04, 2019
Timothy Hauschultz, Tina McKeever-Hauschultz [Manitowac County Sheriff’s Office]

Timothy Hauschultz, Tina McKeever-Hauschultz [Manitowac County Sheriff’s Office]

Timothy Hauschultz, Tina McKeever-Hauschultz [Manitowac County Sheriff’s Office]

By: Mike McPadden

MANITOWOC, WI — Police report that a seven-year-old boy died in April as a result of being beaten, forced to carry a 44-pound log outdoors for two hours, and buried in the snow as punishment for failing to know Bible verses.

The boy’s two adult guardians and their teenage son now face multiple charges related to his death.

According to legal documents, Timothy Hauschultz, 48; and Tina McKeever-Hauschultz, 35; were the court-appointed guardians of Ethan Hauschultz, the seven-year-old victim. The couple also acted as guardians of Ethan’s two other siblings, including his twin brother.

After being arrested last Friday, Timothy Hauschultz has been charged with felony murder and five other counts of abuse. Tina McKeever-Hauschultz is charged with failing to prevent bodily harm and contributing to the delinquency of a child.

Damian Hauschultz, the couple’s 15-year-old son, has been charged with first-degree reckless homicide and six other charges. Although Damian is a minor, he may be tried as an adult on some of the felony counts.

It is unknown how or if the accused were related to the dead child.

On April 20, 2018, Ethan Hauschultz was taken to an area hospital. He was unresponsive and had a dangerously low body temperature. Ethan was also allegedly covered with severe bruises and other injuries.

Doctors performed CPR and other life-saving measures, but Ethan died several hours after his arrival.

Following a postmortem exam, the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner concluded that Ethan died of hypothermia. The report also noted that Ethan suffered blunt-force injuries to his head, chest, and abdomen, and he sustained a rib fracture. Police say the damage resulted from strenuous physical torment outdoors and prolonged environmental exposure, including being buried in the snow.

The Manitowac County Sheriff’s Office alleges that, as a penalty for not properly knowing 13 scripture passages, Timothy Hauschultz ordered Ethan to carry a 44-pound log (about two-third’s of the child weight) for two hours in a snowy area while not wearing boots or a coat. Fifteen-year-old Damian was reportedly ordered to supervise the punishment.

The criminal complaint claims that as Ethan struggled with his task, Damian allegedly hit, kicked, poked, and otherwise struck the seven-year-old about 100 times, occasionally using a belt or a stick.

In addition, Damian also allegedly rolled the log across Ethan’s chest, put Ethan face-down in a puddle and stood on him, and then buried the boy in a snow bank for more than 20 minutes.

The complaint specifically quotes Damian as saying he covered Ethan “in his own little coffin of snow.” Damian also reportedly said he struck Ethan’s twin, who was being similarly punished.

All three suspects are expected to appear in court in on Monday.

Read more: Newsweek, WDJT, WLUK

Next Up

U.S. Marshals Top 15 Most Wanted Found Dead In South Carolina

Frederick McLean was on the U.S. Marshals Top 15 Most Wanted since 2006. Investigators said McLean lived in Poughkeepsie, NY and Anderson, SC. He used a number of alises over the years and investigators are concerned other victims are still out there.

Navajo Nation Girl Assaulted, Killed After Man Kidnapped Her While She Was Playing

Tom Begaye Jr. left the 11-year-old child to die in the desert after “repeatedly hitting her on the head and face with a tire iron.”

The FBI Is Hoping You Can Help Identify This Male In Alleged Sexual Exploitation Case Involving Infant

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is hoping someone can identify a man they are calling, "John Doe 45." The suspect may have critical information about helping to identify an infant victim in a sexual exploitation investigation, agents said. If you know anything, please contact the FBI directly: 800-CALL-FBI.

Accused Child Molestor Jason Hines Is On The Run From Arizona

Investigators say Jason Hines is a "master manipulator" with a number of tattoos featuring skulls on his body. He could be meeting women on dating websites, especially those with young children. If you have any information on where Jason Hines is hiding out, please text our hotline. John Walsh guarantees you can remain anonymous: 833-378-7783 (3-PURSUE).

Fugitive Sherman Jackson Is On The Government's Elite G7 List Of Sexual Predators

Accused sexual predator Sherman Jackson is computer savvy, could be working as a tech in the industry. He may be connected to a church to have better access to children and could have multiple social media accounts. John Walsh guarantees you can remain anonymous. If you have any information, please call or text: 833-378-7783 (3-PURSUE).

‘In Pursuit With John Walsh’ And FBI Top 10 Most Wanted Fugitive Michael Pratt Captured

On Dec. 23, the FBI confirmed they captured fugitive Michael Pratt in Spain. Pratt was arrested in connection with the operation of the GirlsDoPorn adult website.

Judge Accused Of Recording Children On Bathroom Hidden Camera Kills Himself

During an FBI search, Jonathan Gray Newell allegedly ate a memory card that may have contained evidence.

Mother Who Claimed 7-Year-Old Daughter Was Sick Sentenced To Prison After Girl Dies

“This is a despicable crime,” prosecutor says of Kelly Renee Turner approving “surgery after surgery” for the child.