A child abuse specialist argues that what was happening to Ethan Hauschultz before his death was considered physical child abuse and psychological maltreatment.
That was the testimony from Dr. Hillary Petska, a child abuse specialist who spoke at day five of the Timothy Hauschultz trial.
She told Manitowoc County Assistant District Attorney Jill Vendetti that she reviewed evidence, including photos and evidence from Ethan’s case after a criminal complaint alleges that he was forced to carry a heavy log for not knowing a Bible verse.
Petska called it “physical discipline and a “forced exercise.”
She also testified about psychological maltreatment she stated that Ethan suffered while being with Timothy and his family.
Petska told jurors that, in her opinion, not only was Ethan exposed to violence, but he was neglected when he was allowed to be supervised by Damian Hauschultz when Timothy and his wife Tina left to run errands.
Another statement she testified to was that Timothy “didn’t push back hard enough when Damian was hurting Ethan and his brother.”
Timothy’s attorneys asked Petska if she saw all police and social worker interviews with the children, to which she said she only saw a portion of some of them.
This was the last witness for the week for the Timothy Hauschultz trial.
It began on Monday with jury selection, followed by opening statements from Manitowoc County District Attorney Jacalyn LaBre and Defense Attorney Donna Kuchler.
Timothy is charged with neglecting a child; the consequence is death after Ethan died from hypothermia and blunt force trauma.
Damain is serving a 20-year prison sentence for Ethan’s death.
Prosecutors say Timothy is responsible for issuing the punishments that ultimately led to his great-nephew Ethan Hauschultz’s death.
Timothy’s attorneys say Ethan died “tragically” at the hands of his cousin Damien.
