Driver found guilty in 4-year-old Sheboygan girl's death

After over a year of legal proceedings, Cordelia Kuether's family can take a deep breath.

The driver accused of causing the crash that resulted in the 4-year-old's death pled no contest to two charges on Monday:

• Homicide by Veh. Use-Control. Substance
• Bail Jumping-Felony

24-year-old Nathan Heitzmann was found guilty on both counts by Sheboygan County Judge Rebecca Persick.

TMJ4 News

It was a year ago in April when Kuether was killed, struck by a car while she bent down to pet a dog on the street. Her younger sister was injured in the incident too but survived.

TMJ4 News

Police reports said Heitzmann failed to stop at a stop sign. This caused him to hit another vehicle which was off-roaded toward Kuether's family nearby.

Responding officers also stated that Heitzmann was aware that he was driving without a valid license at the time of the crash.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

• Driver charged in 4-year-old's death in Sheboygan now charged with stealing cross from memorial
• 4-year-old girl killed after crash injures pedestrians in Sheboygan
• Candlelight vigil held for 4-year-old killed in Sheboygan while on walk with family
• Driver charged: 4-year-old killed while on walk with family in Sheboygan
• Community reacts to charges for driver after death of 4-year-old in Sheboygan

Kuether's family later reported a missing cross at her memorial, one that sat in a private yard at the site of her death. Officers investigated Heitzmann for the theft after witnesses said he's the one who took it. He denied having any involvement, but was charged with the crime.
In court on Monday, Sheboygan District Attorney Joel Urmanski moved to dismiss Heitzmann's two additional counts:

• Knowingly Operating While Suspended (Cause Death)
• Theft-Movable Property <=$2500

However, Judge Persick can still weigh the charges when sentencing Heitzmann. The next court date is scheduled for late August.

---

Talk to us: Hey there! At TMJ4 News, we're all about listening to our audience and tackling the stuff that really matters to you. Got a story idea, tip, or just want to chat about this piece? Hit us up using the form below. For more ways to get in touch, head over to tmj4.com/tips. Name Email Story you're commenting on Message Verification:

---

It’s about time to watch on your time. Stream local news and weather 24/7 by searching for “TMJ4” on your device.

Available for download on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and more.

---

Report a typo or error // Submit a news tip