Mistrial denied for now in Geske case

GREEN BAY - Anrietta Geske's attorney asked the judge for a mistrial Wednesday morning, but that option for now is off the table.

Defense attorney Jerome Buting made the motion because he said prosecutors did not turn over an amended lab report showing Geske had lower levels of antidepressants in her system shortly after the crash.

Geske is charged with driving drunk and killing 18-year-olds Talhia Heroux and Ashley Britsch-Knetzger last June near Bay Park Square in Ashwaubenon.

Judge Sue Bischel said Wednesday morning there was a 50-50 chance she would grant the mistrial, but later in the day ruled no mistrial would be granted and that testimony would continue until lab witness could testify in the afternoon.

In the meantime, six witnesses testified, two of those work at the Sardine Can, a bar where Geske drank before the crash.

Surveillance video was played, showing Geske consuming several alcoholic drinks from about 7 p.m. to just before 9 p.m. The crash happened at 9:25 p.m.

Wednesday afternoon, the witness from the state crime lab spoke without the jury present. She explained how a mathematical error at the lab recorded an antidepressant at a slightly different level.

"They are so close together and so low that either one would have the same interpretable effect," said Laura Liddicoat from the State Crime Lab.

"This witness who is so confused, who does not recall what discussion she had two days ago, this defendant is just supposed to accept her word -- how there are no other errors in this report when we were never told there were errors to begin with and we would have gotten someone else to check it out," said Buting.

A forensic pathologist who conducted the autopsies on the Heroux and Britsch-Knetzger also testified. He described how they died from multiple injuries including broken necks and lacerated internal organs.

During this time the family of the women and Geske wept.

On cross-examination it was also revealed that Talhia Heroux had levels of THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, in her system.

An investigator with Ashwaubenon Public Safety took the stand in the afternoon. He said the victim's Buick was crumpled up like "a piece of paper from the crash impact."

On cross-examination he also said many rusted car parts from the Buick were found scattered across the scene.

Bishel and attorneys on both sides will meet Thursday at 10 a.m. in the judge's chamber. Testimony will continue after that.