MONROE — The trial for an Albany teen accused of fatally shooting his newborn infant two years ago has been temporarily taken off the court’s calendar during an appeal of a previous ruling that barred some incriminating statements the teen made from his upcoming trial.

Logan Kruckenberg-Anderson’s defense team argued late last year to suppress all of his statements to police during a series of interviews in late 2021 following the baby’s disappearance. But the judge issued a split ruling in the matter, a ruling to exclude evidence that automatically creates an appeal in the courts.

“Under that process, we have to request an appeal through the Department of Justice and then they review my office’s request,” said District Attorney Craig Nolen, who is helping prosecute the defendant. “At this time, we are still awaiting final notification if the decision will be appealed. Both the State and the Defense agreed to have the trial taken off of the Court’s calendar, given the fact that the State is exploring that appeal possibility.”

Kruckenberg-Anderson, 16, at the time of the murder, is being tried as an adult in the case. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The appeals delay follows on the heels of a January ruling by the court on the admissibility of evidence in the case before Circuit Judge Faun Phillipson.

“The Court rules and directs statements made by the defendant, at The Brodhead Police Department, The Albany Police Department and the crime scene, will be suppressed and were involuntary statements made due to the circumstances,” court records said, in reference to Judge Thomas Vales’ ruling. “The Court will not suppress the last two interviews at Rock County Juvenile Detention Center and Rock County Sheriff’s Department.”

Baby Harper was born to the teen couple on Jan. 5, 2021; according to a lengthy criminal complaint. Kruckenberg-Anderson then allegedly shot her and abandoned her snow-covered body in some woods near his home after he and the teen mother decided they couldn’t keep her. 

The horrific ordeal of baby Harper led state officials to pass a Safe Haven Laws bill aimed at informing Wisconsin teenagers of their options for safely leaving infants without legal action.

Kruckenberg-Anderson remains in Green County jail on $1 million bond. His next appearance is for a status hearing scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24.