MADISON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The state Court of Appeals has put Kenneth Hudson’s case on hold while it reviews a Marinette County judge’s decision to remove his attorney from the case.
Kenneth Hudson is serving a life prison term for the June 25, 2000, murder of Shanna Van Dyn Hoven, 19. She was killed while jogging in a Kaukauna park. Hudson was also sentenced to consecutive sentences after that for kidnapping, attempted homicide and recklessly endangering safety, totaling another 70 years in prison. Since sentencing, Hudson has filed more than a dozen appeals and motions — usually focusing on claims he was framed — and all have failed.
Marinette County Judge James Morrison is now handling the case. He is allowing Hudson to file what Morrison has described as one final, “all-encompassing motion” to address any remaining issues.
At a hearing last month, Judge Morrison removed Hudson’s attorney, Michael Balskus, from the case, ruling Balskus didn’t appropriately meet court deadlines to turn over documents in the case. Judge Morrison gave Hudson until March 31 to file his motion – either with or without an attorney.
Balskus filed an appeal of that ruling Friday. Without waiting for the state to reply, the appeals court ruled Tuesday it will review the issue.
“IT IS ORDERED that the circuit court proceedings in this matter are stayed pending the disposition of Hudson’s petition for leave to appeal,” court records state.
After the appeals court is provided the appropriate documents, the state will have two weeks to reply.
The ruling means the March 31 deadline is eliminated while the appeal proceeds. A May 12 motion hearing will likely be postponed.
