Man accused of causing crash that killed young girl, stealing cross from memorial site, changes plea

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A man accused of causing a car crash that killed a little girl, then stealing a memorial cross set out for the child, is changing his plea in court. 

Monday afternoon, July 1, at the Sheboygan County Courthouse, 24-year-old Nathan Heitzmann changed his plea to "no contest" in the death of 4-year-old Cordelia Kuether. 

In April of 2023, Heitzmann went through a stop sign and crashed into a van. 

The collision killed Kuether, who was walking nearby. 

Then, last fall, Heitzmann was charged with stealing a cross the girl's family set up at the intersection. 

As part of the plea deal, Heitzmann is changing his plea on two of the charges. 

Judge: "How do you want to plead to count two: Homicide by vehicle with use of a controlled substance, a class D felony?

Heitzmann: "No contest, your honor."

Sheboygan County Judge Rebecca Persick: "No contest means you're not fighting it, and I will find you guilty of that offense, do you understand that?"

Heitzmann: "Yes, your honor."