Wisconsin Toddler’s Tragic Death: 21-Year-Old Man and Father Arrested, Investigation Reveals Injuries Not Consistent with Fall Down Stairs
A 21-year-old Wisconsin man, James Vanderleest, and his father, David Vanderleest, are being held in connection with the death of 2-year-old Leo Escalante, with authorities alleging that the injuries sustained by the toddler were not consistent with a fall down the stairs, as initially claimed. The investigation has revealed a complex web of events, including allegations of domestic abuse and attempts to hide and harbor the suspects.
The tragic death of 2-year-old Leo Escalante has sent shockwaves through the community, with authorities working tirelessly to unravel the circumstances surrounding the toddler’s passing. On June 22, Leo’s mother returned home from an errand to find her ex-boyfriend, James Vanderleest, performing CPR on the child. According to James, the boy had fallen down the stairs, but an investigation by the Brown County Sheriff’s Office has revealed that the injuries sustained by Leo were not consistent with such a claim. As the case continues to unfold, it has become clear that the events leading up to Leo’s death are more complex and disturbing than initially thought.
Investigation and Arrests
The investigation into Leo’s death began immediately after the incident, with authorities launching a thorough probe into the circumstances surrounding the toddler’s passing. As part of their inquiry, detectives spoke with James Vanderleest, who claimed that the boy had fallen down the stairs. However, during a court hearing on June 30, Brown County Deputy District Attorney Wendy Lemkuil revealed that the injuries sustained by Leo were not consistent with a fall down the stairs. This revelation has raised serious questions about the events leading up to Leo’s death and has led to the arrest of James Vanderleest and his father, David Vanderleest.
Allegations of Domestic Abuse and Attempts to Hide and Harbor Suspects
As the investigation has progressed, it has become clear that James Vanderleest has a history of domestic abuse, with multiple cases pending against him. Furthermore, authorities allege that David Vanderleest helped to hide and harbor his son after the incident, with the pair fleeing to a cabin in Florence County. The authorities were able to track them down and arrest them in late June. The allegations of domestic abuse and attempts to hide and harbor the suspects have added a disturbing layer to the case, with many in the community expressing outrage and sadness at the events that have unfolded.
Some key highlights of the case include:
* The injuries sustained by Leo Escalante were not consistent with a fall down the stairs, according to the Brown County Deputy District Attorney.
* James Vanderleest claimed that the boy had fallen down the stairs, but an investigation has revealed that this may not be the case.
* David Vanderleest allegedly helped to hide and harbor his son after the incident.
* James Vanderleest has a history of domestic abuse, with multiple cases pending against him.
* The authorities have arrested both James and David Vanderleest in connection with Leo’s death.
Community Reaction and Support for the Family
The death of Leo Escalante has sent shockwaves through the community, with many expressing outrage and sadness at the events that have unfolded. A relative of Leo’s, Keri Tucker, has spoken out about the toddler’s death, describing him as a “happy little snuggly bunny” who brought joy to all those around him. Tucker has also established a GoFundMe page to raise money for Leo’s headstone, with the page reading, “Leo did not deserve to be taken from his family at the young age of 2.” The community has rallied around the family, offering support and condolences during this difficult time.
Quotes from the Family and Authorities
* “Leo was just a happy little snuggly bunny, lover boy, always smiling. He had such a big laugh, average two-year-old into everything. He brought everybody joy,” said Keri Tucker, a relative of Leo’s.
* “The injuries sustained by this two-year-old were not consistent with a fall down the stairs,” said Brown County Deputy District Attorney Wendy Lemkuil.
* “A lot of this is lies,” said James Vanderleest, during a court hearing.
As the investigation into Leo’s death continues, the community remains in shock and mourning. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of protecting vulnerable members of society and ensuring that those responsible for such heinous crimes are brought to justice.
Conclusion:
The death of 2-year-old Leo Escalante is a tragic reminder of the importance of protecting vulnerable members of society. As the investigation into his death continues, it is clear that the events leading up to his passing are more complex and disturbing than initially thought. The community has rallied around the family, offering support and condolences during this difficult time. It is essential that those responsible for such heinous crimes are brought to justice, and that we continue to work towards creating a safer and more just society for all.
Keywords: Wisconsin toddler death, James Vanderleest, David Vanderleest, Brown County Sheriff’s Office, domestic abuse, child abuse, investigation, arrests, community reaction, support for the family, GoFundMe, headstone, funeral, healing.
Hashtags: #JusticeForLeo #StopChildAbuse #DomesticAbuseAwareness #CommunitySupport #WisconsinToddlerDeath #JamesVanderleest #DavidVanderleest #BrownCountySheriffsOffice #Investigation #Arrests #GoFundMe #Headstone #Funeral #Healing.
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