Albany, WI – A Wisconsin man who was 16 years old when he allegedly shot his newborn daughter twice in the head and left her covered in snow is preparing to go on trial nearly four years after the crime. Prosecutors say Logan Kruckenberg Anderson, now 21, faces first-degree intentional homicide and hiding a child’s corpse for the death of his infant daughter, Harper.
The Incident: Infant Found Dead in Snow-Covered Woods
According to the Green County District Attorney’s Office, the crime occurred on January 5, 2021, in the small village of Albany, Wisconsin, about 30 miles south of Madison. Prosecutors allege that Kruckenberg Anderson’s teenage girlfriend gave birth to baby Harper in a bathtub at home.
Days later, when the infant was missing, the girl’s father called 911, saying that his daughter had left the house with the baby and never returned. Authorities launched a search that ended in tragedy when Harper’s body was discovered in a wooded area, partially covered with snow.
Investigators determined the newborn had been left exposed to freezing temperatures before being shot twice in the head.
Investigation and Evidence Collected
According to the criminal complaint, Kruckenberg Anderson initially told investigators that he had arranged for a man named “Tyler” on Snapchat to take the baby to an adoption agency. He claimed he paid the man $60 to transport Harper safely.
However, detectives quickly found inconsistencies in his story. During further questioning, Kruckenberg Anderson admitted that no such person existed and that he had taken Harper to the woods himself.
“He confessed to covering her naked body with snow and leaving her there to die,” investigators wrote.
“As he walked away, he could still hear her crying.”
The confession took a darker turn when forensic technicians later confirmed that Harper had been shot. Authorities recovered two bullets near her body and matched them to a firearm turned in by another juvenile, who claimed Kruckenberg Anderson had given him the weapon days earlier.
Ballistics testing confirmed that the gun had been used to kill the infant.
Court Proceedings and Charges
Kruckenberg Anderson was charged as an adult with first-degree intentional homicide and hiding a corpse, both felonies under Wisconsin law. Prosecutors emphasized the intentional nature of the act, citing the effort to conceal the baby’s body and dispose of evidence.
On Tuesday, he appeared in Green County Circuit Court for his final pretrial hearing, where the judge confirmed that his trial will begin on October 27, 2025. If convicted, he faces a mandatory life sentence without parole.
No charges have been filed against the baby’s mother, who was also a minor at the time of the incident.
Reactions and Statements from Officials
The case has deeply shaken the Green County community, with officials and residents expressing grief and disbelief. Investigators described the crime as one of the most disturbing cases they had ever handled.
District Attorney officials said they pursued adult charges due to the severity and premeditated nature of the killing.
“This was not an act of panic or confusion,” a spokesperson said. “This was a deliberate act of violence against a newborn child.”
Authorities have also emphasized the importance of mental health support and awareness for young parents who may feel trapped or unable to care for their children.
Background and Legal Context
Under Wisconsin law, juveniles accused of serious crimes such as homicide can be tried as adults if prosecutors prove premeditation or extreme cruelty. In this case, investigators said the deliberate concealment of Harper’s body and the use of a firearm justified adult prosecution.
Child welfare experts have noted that teen pregnancies combined with isolation and lack of support often lead to dangerous decisions. However, legal analysts say Kruckenberg Anderson’s actions go far beyond negligence, falling squarely under first-degree intentional homicide.
Ongoing Developments and What Comes Next
As the October 27 trial date approaches, prosecutors are expected to present forensic evidence, digital messages, and the recovered firearm. Defense attorneys have not publicly commented on their strategy.
The case continues to draw public attention across Wisconsin due to its graphic details and the young age of both parents involved. Officials say the trial could last up to two weeks, with sentencing to follow if a conviction is reached.
Kruckenberg Anderson remains in Green County Jail without bond pending trial.
Conclusion
The death of baby Harper has left a lasting mark on the Green County community, exposing the tragic consequences of desperation and violence. As the case moves to trial, residents hope the proceedings will finally bring justice for the infant whose life ended just days after birth.
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