(Jesse Marek CR: BCSO / Samantha Stoeklen booking photo was not available)
Criminal charges were filed in Burnett County Circuit Court on March 27, 2017, against Jesse Marek and Samantha Stoeklen, both of Grantsburg, WI, following an investigation into the death of their infant in February 2016.
On February 2, 2016, Burnett County Law Enforcement were called to investigate the suspicious death of a 10-week old infant, born November 11, 2015. A Polk County Investigator assisted with interviews of the two parents.
According to the criminal complaints filed against Marek and Stoeklen, the infant was brought to the Burnett Medical Center on February 1, 2016, after the father found the infant limp, unresponsive and barely breathing. The father said that he attempted mouth to mouth CPR and a few chest compressions and then brought the infant in for medical care. The infant was transferred to St. Paul Children's Hospital where he was ultimately pronounced deceased.
The Ramsey County Medical Examiner's Office conducted an autopsy on the infant. The criminal complaints state that the autopsy report revealed that the infant had suffered heart damage, internal bleeding, and injuries to his upper lip. The autopsy also found that the infant had sustained multiple rib fractures that were all in various stages of healing.
Further details of the autopsy report included in the criminal complaints state that the injuries sustained by the infant were consistent with injuries caused by abuse, such as forceful squeezing, and were not indicative of accidental injury. The various stages of healing of the injuries indicated that these injuries were the result of multiple traumatic events (at least three and possibly as many as five) within the infant's ten-week life. The first injuries were estimated to have occurred between one and three weeks of age.
When investigators interviewed Stoeklen, she said that her pregnancy with the infant had been unexpected, as she had been on birth control. The criminal complaint continues stating that Stoeklen told investigators that Marek wanted her to get an abortion, however, she declined to do that. Marek told investigators during an interview that the infant had rolled off the couch. Even after it was explained to him that 10-week old infants do not 'roll', he maintained his story. Investigators told Marek that even if the infant had rolled off the couch, such an incident would not have caused the injuries discovered during the autopsy.
Investigators also confirmed that Marek and Stoeklen were the primary caregivers for the infant. Marek's mother had watched the infant on two occasions; no one else had babysat for the infant.
The criminal complaint further states that Jesse also admitted to investigators that he has a 'temper'.
Marek and Stoeklen are each charged with one count of Child Abuse – Intentionally Cause Great Bodily Harm, a Class C Felony. If convicted of these charges, Marek and Stoeklen could face a maximum sentence of 40 years confinement in state prison.
Court dates are scheduled for both Marek and Stoeklen for April 26, 2017, in Burnett County Circuit Court.
DrydenWire.com will continue to update the community on this situation when any significant activity or progress develops.
DrydenWire.com reminds our readers that arrested or charged individuals are presumed innocent until convicted by judge or jury.
Last Update: Apr 05, 2017 9:18 am CDT
