By james art 
GENEVA, WI — The man accused of shooting and killing an 8-year-old boy in Wisconsin was arraigned Tuesday, WTMJ reported.
Appearing via Zoom in prison-issued clothing, Steven Merkel, 52, appeared before a judge on Tuesday afternoon.
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The Wallert County man is being held on charges of first-degree negligent homicide.
“Given the serious nature of the crime, as well as the record, what I’m asking the court to do at this time is to set bail at $250,000,” said Wallert County District Attorney Zack Wiedenfeld.
Geneva Township police said they were called to Merkel’s home early Monday morning and found a boy with a gunshot wound.
The boy’s family identified him as an 8-year-old named Michael. He died at the hospital from his injuries.
Friends of Michael and his family are now raising money for funeral expenses. They describe him as a bright and funny boy who is the younger brother of two sisters.
“This is a serious charge and a serious incident. This is a reckless homicide involving a young child,” Wiedenfeld said.
Merkel’s defense attorney described him as a longtime member of the Wollert district.
“This is someone who has deep ties to this community. This is someone who lives in that area, who has family in that area. This is someone who has connections to this area,” his lawyer said.
Friends of Michael’s family say they are still trying to figure out how this happened.
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