Topline: Investigators are still working to piece together the series of events that led to the deadly incident.
Published: January 23, 2025 8:30 am ET
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Michael Meagher (via GoFundMe)
LAKE GENEVA, WI — A man was arrested on Monday following a fatal shooting involving a child in Wisconsin.
According to a news release, the Town of Geneva Police Department charged 52-year-old Steven D. Merkel following a fatal shooting that occurred around 2:25 a.m. on Monday, January 20, in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.
WISN reported officers found Michael Meagher, 9, with gunshot wounds near Kale Road and Lincoln Drive.
Police and fire personnel began life-saving measures. Meagher was transported to a local hospital, where he later died.
Merkel, who was reportedly the child’s stepfather, will be charged with first-degree reckless homicide, police said.
Merkel was in Walworth County Court Tuesday afternoon, where his bail was set at $250,000, according to WISN.
Additional details of the crime are expected to be released in the coming days.
A GoFundMe page for the victim has raised over $13,000 to cover funeral expenses.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
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Published: January 23, 2025 8:30 am ET
Michael Meagher (via GoFundMe)
LAKE GENEVA, WI — A man was arrested on Monday following a fatal shooting involving a child in Wisconsin.
According to a news release, the Town of Geneva Police Department charged 52-year-old Steven D. Merkel following a fatal shooting that occurred around 2:25 a.m. on Monday, January 20, in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.
WISN reported officers found Michael Meagher, 9, with gunshot wounds near Kale Road and Lincoln Drive.
Police and fire personnel began life-saving measures. Meagher was transported to a local hospital, where he later died.
Merkel, who was reportedly the child’s stepfather, will be charged with first-degree reckless homicide, police said.
Merkel was in Walworth County Court Tuesday afternoon, where his bail was set at $250,000, according to WISN.
Additional details of the crime are expected to be released in the coming days.
A GoFundMe page for the victim has raised over $13,000 to cover funeral expenses.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
Must Read
Editor Picks
Latest Articles
Wisconsin Man Behind Bars for Allegedly Killing 9-Year-Old Stepson
Investigators are still working to piece together the series of events that led to the deadly incident.
By Jacob Charles
Published: January 23, 2025 8:30 am ET
Michael Meagher (via GoFundMe)
LAKE GENEVA, WI — A man was arrested on Monday following a fatal shooting involving a child in Wisconsin.
According to a news release, the Town of Geneva Police Department charged 52-year-old Steven D. Merkel following a fatal shooting that occurred around 2:25 a.m. on Monday, January 20, in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.
WISN reported officers found Michael Meagher, 9, with gunshot wounds near Kale Road and Lincoln Drive.
Police and fire personnel began life-saving measures. Meagher was transported to a local hospital, where he later died.
Merkel, who was reportedly the child’s stepfather, will be charged with first-degree reckless homicide, police said.
Merkel was in Walworth County Court Tuesday afternoon, where his bail was set at $250,000, according to WISN.
Additional details of the crime are expected to be released in the coming days.
A GoFundMe page for the victim has raised over $13,000 to cover funeral expenses.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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