The two men charged in the death of a Two Rivers teen are still looking for an attorney.
26-year-old Dominic Pilgreen and 15-year-old Nathan Reichard were back in court this morning (November 12th) for preliminary hearings.
Judge Mark Rohrer said the public defender’s office is still looking for someone to represent both men. He then extended the time limits for them before setting their next hearing for next Thursday (November 19th).
Manitowoc County District Attorney Jacalyn LaBre said there is a victim’s rights issue and asked that a public defender be present for both men’s next court date.
She told Judge Rohrer that the family of 16-year-old Payton Vertz wants him released so they can have a proper funeral for him. But that can’t happen until Pilgreen and Reichard have a lawyer to communicate with them.
Rohrer said the public defender’s office doesn’t need to have someone present unless it’s the defendant’s first appearance.
He added that he will ask both defendants about court-appointed counsel during their next hearing.
Vertz’s body was found in Seagull Marina in Two Rivers last month after some of his clothing was found at a park.
A criminal complaint alleges that Pilgreen and Reichard got the 16-year-old intoxicated before trying to tie him to a tree. Vertz would escape but would eventually be beaten and strangled to death.
A fundraiser for his family takes place this weekend at the J.E. Hamilton Community House in Two Rivers.
