WISCONSIN – A heartbreaking and shocking case is unfolding in Florence County, where James VanderLeest, 21, is accused of killing his 2-year-old son, Leo Escalante, and then trying to pin the blame on his own father, David VanderLeest, 48.
According to police and court documents, James claimed the toddler fell down the stairs while his grandfather was watching him on June 22. But the autopsy told a different story—Leo’s death was caused by what officials call an “acute incident” that doesn’t match a fall.
What Really Happened?
- James VanderLeest told police his father, David, was watching Leo when the child “fell.”
- Prosecutors say that wasn’t true—and that James was trying to shift the blame.
- After Leo’s death, James and David reportedly hid together in a cabin while police searched for them.
“To say David wasn’t trying to hide him is ridiculous,” said Deputy DA Wendy Lemkuil.
Police had to use a flash bomb to get them to come out.
Father and Son Now in Jail
- James’s bail has been set at $2 million
- David is being held on $100,000 cash bond for helping his son evade arrest
David claims he was only trying to protect his suicidal son and never meant to interfere with police.
“My son was suicidal,” he said in court. “I went to find him because I didn’t want to find him hanging from a tree.”
He also denied being at the house when Leo died.
A Long List of Charges and Past Trouble
James VanderLeest already has four open criminal cases in Brown County, including:
- Strangulation and suffocation
- Battery and domestic abuse
- Bail jumping
- Criminal damage to property
He also had an order of protection filed against him by Leo’s mother.
Prosecutor Lemkuil said: “James told the mother to blame his dad instead. He tried to cover it up.”
The Family Speaks Out
Keri Tucker, the aunt of Leo’s mother, spoke with emotion:
“Because James got to run and hide in a cabin, my nephew will never run on this Earth again. For that, you belong behind those brick walls.”
Next Court Dates
- James VanderLeest: July 16
- David VanderLeest: July 17
More charges are expected soon, including felony murder and obstruction.