Sawyer County judge recuses self in May 3 Radisson homicide cases

The Sawyer County Record reports Sawyer County Circuit Judge Gerald Wright recused himself Monday in the cases in which two individuals are charged with homicide in the stabbing of 93-year-old Irena Roszak at her Radisson residence on May 3.

Wright said he is recusing himself “so there will be no appearance of impropriety” in the court cases involving 16-year-old Austin Davis of Ojibwa and 26-year-old Christopher Roalson of Radisson.

Roalson is represented by public defenders James McLaughlin and Martin Jarvis. Before running for Sawyer County Circuit Judge, Wright was employed by the state public defender’s office.

Roalson is charged with first-degree intentional homicide and burglary at the Roszak home. Davis is charged with being party to first-degree intentional homicide and burglary in the incident. Both are in jail on $1 million cash bonds.

Davis appeared in court Monday for a scheduling conference via two-way video from a cell in the Sawyer County Jail. He is represented by attorney Frederic Bourg.

A new judge will be appointed by the district court administrator, then further proceedings will be set. A scheduling conference set for Oct. 19 for Roalson will be postponed.