Daniel Bartelt enters dual plea to multiple charges

WEST BEND (WITI) -- 19-year-old Daniel Bartelt entered a dual plea of not guilty and not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect to multiple charges in a Washington County court on Wednesday morning, November 27th.

Bartelt faces four felony counts in connection in all — one count of first-degree intentional homicide for the death of Jessie Blodgett. Blodgett, 19, was found dead in her home on Monday, July 15th.

The other three charges are related to an alleged attack at a Richfield Park on July 12th. Those three charges include one count of attempted first-degree intentional homicide, one count of first-degree recklessly endangering safety, and one count of false imprisonment.

Bartelt's attorney, Gary Schmaus explains why it was necessary to file dual pleas in this case.

"We have had issues regarding his competency, which we raised previously," said Schmaus.

Bartelt will be back in court on Monday, January 6th when a doctor's report on the status of Bartelt will be submitted to the court.

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