KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — Yet another twist unfolded in the high-profile Vanderzee murder case when Judge Jason Rossell formally recused himself on June 24, citing prior contact with one of the defendants during his time as a prosecutor.
(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
According to the court record, Rossell stepped down from presiding over the case due to “prior contact with the defendant as an ADA.” Rossell served a brief stint as an Assistant District Attorney in Kenosha County before being appointed to the bench more than a decade ago.
Rossell is the second judge to exit the case. Judge Angelina Gabriele recused herself earlier, acknowledging that she had knowledge of the case from her time as Deputy District Attorney under former DA Michael Graveley, whose administration declined to bring charges. Gabriele had previously scheduled a hearing on the state’s motion to increase bail, but that hearing was canceled after both defendants filed for judicial substitution—only to later withdraw those requests. Gabriele ultimately recused herself anyway.
(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
The case will now be tried before Judge Anthony Milisauskas, a longtime Kenosha County Circuit Judge who is widely respected in the legal community. Milisauskas is known for his fairness and calm courtroom demeanor, and attorneys on both sides are expected to view his assignment as a stabilizing factor in the case.
The charges stem from the 2003 execution-style killing of David Vanderzee, who was shot multiple times in the back of the head in his Powers Lake home. District Attorney Xavier Solis revived the case earlier this year, charging Vanderzee’s then-wife, Roxanna Vanderzee-Collins, and her alleged lover, John Viskocil, with first-degree intentional homicide. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty.
Viskocil remains in custody on $500,000 cash bail. Vanderzee-Collins was released in May after posting bond.
A 21-page defense motion to dismiss remains pending. The state’s written response is due July 25, with a defense reply due August 4. A combined motion hearing and preliminary examination is scheduled for August 13 at 10:00 a.m.
Kenosha County Eye will continue to provide detailed coverage of every development in this evolving case.
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One Response
As one who tries to keep track I noticed a skip in a mention of Judge Rossell in the previous story where you mentioned that Judge Dougvillo was next up.
“The case has now been reassigned to Judge Gerad Dougvillo,”. (June 10th)
Did I miss something ?
This makes three Judges out and number 4 on Deck.