GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – With the defense still reviewing evidence, the case against a teen who allegedly attacked and sexually assaulted a woman on a De Pere trail remains on hold.
Miles Cruz, 17, has pleaded not guilty to five counts, including attempted homicide, first-degree sexual assault, kidnapping and strangulation for the Oct 5 incident. Under Wisconsin law, 17-year-olds go through adult court for criminal cases.
In court Friday, defense attorney John Herman said more discovery — the evidence in the case — was turned over to him within the last week. He asked for more time to review the information before the case continues.
As a result, Judge Tammy Jo Hock set another status conference for April 11.
No trial date has been set.
According to the criminal complaint, the victim was walking on the East River Trail with her son Oct. 5 when the attack happened. Prosecutors allege Cruz put a sweatshirt over the victim’s head, pulling her backwards. The victim told police she fought to get away, but the attacker squeezed her neck, causing her to lose consciousness. However, she did remember being sexually assaulted.
Police found Cruz’s backpack in the area, and later found him, as well. He said he had slept in a nearby park in Allouez. DNA evidence tied Cruz to the victim, the criminal complaint says.
