St. Croix County (WQOW)- A tragic case out of River Falls could go to trial.
About the only thing stopping it would be if the defendant pleads guilty because the prosecution says it won't make a deal.
On Tuesday, Aaron Schaffhausen, the man charged with murdering his three daughters, was in court for a preliminary hearing.
This was the first time Schaffhausen appeared in the court room in person.
His initial court appearance two weeks ago was done through a video conference system. Schaffhausen sat silently, never saying a word, even to his attorney, during the entire hearing which lasted an hour and a half.
The judge ruled there was enough evidence to go to trial.
"On a more technical level, is there a plausible account that a felony was committed by this defendant? Asked Assistant Attorney General Gary Freyberg. "And obviously you heard the evidence and obviously the judge felt that there was."
Three witnesses testified. Among those: a babysitter who told the court what she saw when Schaffhausen paid a surprise visit to see his daughters at their home in River Falls two weeks ago.
"They were very happy to see their father," she stated for the court.
The babysitter eventually left. Later that day, Schaffhausen called his ex-wife and allegedly said ‘You can come home now. I killed the kids.' The three girls, Amara, Sophie and Cecilia, were found dead in their bedrooms. Their throats had been slit.
Police say they've searched the home and his car, but have not found a murder weapon. They're also looking for Schaffhausen's computer, which they believe he may have dumped along a road after the murder.
"Investigators are working hard on all aspects of this investigation. If the public has any knowledge of a computer, a cell phone, or the other things that press releases have gone out on already, investigators would welcome any assistance that the public can give them," Freyberg says.
One thing is clear. Prosecutors say they won't negotiate.
"We are not going to plea bargain on this case," says St. Croix County District Attorney Eric Johnson. "If there's a straight plea, that's different. But it's not going to be discussions and negotiations; that is not going to happen."
Schaffhausen's next court appearance will be August 28th for his arraignment. At that time he will enter a plea.
This case may not be resolved for quite a while. Prosecutors say it could be months before the case goes to trial. Schaffhausen remains in custody on a $2 million cash bond.
