Hubertus Man Accused of Assault Now Faces Homicide Charge

A Richfield man that was charged with assaulting a 20-year-old Menomonee Falls woman in Richfield now faces homicide charges for allegedly strangling a Hartford woman. 

Daniel Bartelt, 19, of Hubertus, was charged with first-degree intentional homicide in the in connection to the death of Jessie Blodgett, 19, who was found dead July 15 in her parents' Hartford home. 

Blodgett was found dead by her mother around 12:30 p.m., just a day after she had performed in a play at the Schauer Arts Center, Patch partners at WISN report. Investigators observed strangulation marks on Blodgett's neck when she was discovered. They also believe Blodgett's ankles and wrists were tied, she was gagged and strangled.

Bartelt was arrested July 17 for allegedly assaulting a 20-year-old Menomonee Falls woman who was walking her dog in a Richfield park. Bartelt was charged with three felonies and a misdemeanor after he admitted to attacking the woman with a knife on July 12. 

Bartelt allegedly tackled the woman while brandishing his knife., and the woman needed 15 stitches on her hand after attempting to wrestle the knife away from Bartelt. She eventually escaped, and has recovered from her injuries. 

However, investigators found blood, hair and other DNA evidence on electrical tape in Bartelt's room, which linked him to Blodgett. Bartelt did not admit to killing Blodgett, but said he had spent time with her recently and that they had dated in the past, WISN reports. 

Bartelt is being held on $750,000 cash bond, and his attorney has requested a competency evaluation to assess his ability to stand trial. A hearing is scheduled for Sept. 4.