Waukesha murder suspect to represent himself at trial next week

WAUKESHA, Wis. - A Waukesha man charged with killing his neighbor and hiding the body will represent himself at trial next week.

What we know:

Kevin Lychwick, 63, told a judge Tuesday, June 2, that his public defender was not doing enough for his defense. The judge, David Maas, granted Lychwick’s request for his defense attorney to withdraw from the case.

Lychwick tried to push his trial back a third time, citing medical issues and saying he was not prepared, but the judge denied the request. 

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He says he is innocent and believes police officers fabricated body camera and surveillance video evidence in the case. Police say they found the gun used to kill Maldonado in Lychwick’s car and found a "hit list" in Lychwick’s apartment.

The backstory:

Prosecutors say Lychwick shot 56-year-old Carlos Maldonado in the head and covered his body with a tarp. A passerby found Maldonado’s body in October 2024 next to the apartment building where Lychwick and Maldonado lived.

He was charged with first-degree intentional homicide and hiding a corpse.

What they're saying:

"541 days in isn’t when you should be ramping up your defense and prepare for trial," said Maas.

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"My representation is only temporary until I find my own defense," Lychwick said.

"That's not going to happen," Mass replied. "You're not going to find an attorney to represent you for trial next week on a first degree intentional homicide case. It's not happening."

What's next:

The trial is set to begin Monday morning, June 8, and is expected to last all week.

Crime and Public SafetyWaukeshaNews