Eric Abresch (Outagamie Co. Jail)
APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Although the State Public Defender’s office has not found an attorney for Eric Abresch in connection with a fatal drug overdose, a preliminary hearing was started Friday due to concerns about delays in the case.
Abresch, 39, is charged with first-degree reckless homicide for allegedly providing the drugs used in an August 2022 death at an Appleton home. Julius Elmer is also charged, for allegedly supplying the drugs to Abresch.
In court Friday, Abresch told the court he wants an attorney for the preliminary hearing, but also doesn’t want to wait months for one to be appointed. He referenced the shortage of defense attorneys across the state.
Assistant District Attorney Emily Kudek acknowledged the concern, but asked for the preliminary to begin so that it got underway within the usual 10-day requirement. Judge Yadira Rein agreed, and the hearing started.
Appleton Police Sgt. Chad Riddle was called to stand. He identified Abresch, and confirmed that the details in the criminal complaint were accurate. There were no questions about the specifics of the case, and Abresch did not cross-examine him.
The hearing is scheduled to be continued April 3, if an attorney has been found for Abresch by then.
In Elmer’s case, one judge denied the defense’s request to dismiss the charges. The defense asked for that to be reviewed by another judge, which will happen April 7. If the case proceeds, a preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 8.
In August 2022, police were called to investigate the death of a 42-year-old Appleton resident in the 500 block of E. Winnebago Street. The victim’s name has not been released.
According to the criminal complaints, police entered the apartment and found the unresponsive woman. Elmer allegedly provided the drugs to Eric Abresch, who, in turn provided them to the victim.
Abresch admitted to the police he was the one who called 9-1-1 to report the victim needed medical attention. He denied giving her drugs, and said he tried to help her.
The cause of death was listed as “acute mixed drug (Acetylfentanyl, Alprazolam and Fentanyl) toxicity,” the complaint states.
Comments