GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) – A Brown County courtroom was the setting on Tuesday as David Vanderlest learned he will be arraigned in connection with the death of 2-year-old Leo Escalante.
Vanderlest faces charges of harboring or aiding a criminal after he and his son, James, were arrested in June. James Vanderlest is charged with first-degree reckless homicide for allegedly causing the young boy’s death.
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Authorities say the two fled to a cabin in Florence County. Prosecutors allege David lied to officers on June 22, initially claiming Leo had fallen and that he was present at the time — a story he later admitted was false.
“Part of the crime took place here in Brown County, where [David] is lying to officers right at the scene,” said Deputy District Attorney Dana Johnson. “There are searches on that phone regarding reducing brain swelling… [and] wrongful death claims.”
A Green Bay Police Department detective testified about Google searches made from David’s phone while at the cabin, which included “Flight for Life,” “Brown County public service,” and “wrongful death claims.”
Defense attorney John DeAngelo argued that David believed Leo had simply fallen down stairs and said his client was only trying to protect his son. “He lied for his son because he was trying to help his son,” DeAngelo said. “What did he actually do? He aided in bail jumping… that’s what the detective said.”
David Vanderlest is set for arraignment on Sept. 22 at 9 a.m. He remains in custody on a $50,000 cash bond.
