Florence County, Wisconsin — A disturbing case is unfolding in Wisconsin, where a 21-year-old man is accused of killing his 2-year-old son and then attempting to pin the crime on his own father.
Authorities say James VanderLeest tried to mislead investigators after the June 22 death of his son, Leo Escalante, and received help from his father to evade arrest.
According to prosecutors, VanderLeest initially claimed Leo died after falling down a flight of stairs while being watched by his grandfather, David VanderLeest, 48. But an autopsy revealed the child’s death was caused by an “acute incident,” not consistent with a fall.
“To indicate he was anything other than obstructive is ridiculous,” said Deputy District Attorney Wendy Lemkuil, referencing the elder VanderLeest’s alleged efforts to shield his son and avoid police.
Father and Grandfather Both in Custody
James VanderLeest has not yet been formally charged but is expected to face multiple felony counts in connection with Leo’s death.
His father, David VanderLeest, is already behind bars and faces charges for allegedly helping his son flee to a remote cabin while authorities searched for him.
In court, David claimed he wasn’t trying to help his son escape justice, but rather trying to prevent him from dying by suicide.
“My child was very suicidal. I went and found him to make sure I didn’t find him hanging from a tree,” David said during a court appearance.
However, prosecutors paint a different picture — describing a barricade situation where both men refused to surrender until a flash bomb was deployed by law enforcement.
History of Violence and Protective Orders
James VanderLeest has at least four other open cases in Brown County, including charges of strangulation, suffocation, domestic battery, criminal damage to property, and bail jumping.
Leo’s mother reportedly had an active order of protection against James, and Deputy DA Lemkuil said the suspect even asked her to lie to authorities.
“James actually told her to say that his dad was the one who was there with the child at the time,” Lemkuil stated in court.
Read Also: Man Charged in Girlfriend’s Murder 42 Years After She Went Missing in Oregon
Family Devastated by Toddler’s Death
In a heartbreaking statement, Keri Tucker, the aunt of Leo’s mother, expressed the emotional toll the case has taken:
“Because of him being able to run for his life to a cabin in the woods with his dad, my nephew doesn’t get to run on this Earth again,” she said. “For that, you need to stay in those brick walls, James.”
Upcoming Court Dates
- James VanderLeest is scheduled to appear in court on July 16
- David VanderLeest will appear the following day on July 17
Both remain in custody — James on a $2 million bond and David on $100,000 cash bond.
RidgecrestPACT.org will continue to follow this developing case and provide updates as more details emerge.
What Do You Think?
Should family members who help suspects flee face harsher penalties? Join the conversation now at Ridgecrestpact.org.
