MANITOWOC (NBC 26) — A Manitowoc County judge has rejected a plea deal for Timothy Hauschultz, who faces multiple felony charges in the death of his 7-year-old great-nephew, meaning the case will now go to trial after seven years.

Watch full broadcast here: Manitowoc County judge rejects plea deal, sends case to trial

Judge Carey Reed rejected an Alford plea twice on Monday, which would have allowed Hauschultz to maintain his innocence while accepting a conviction. Reed said the deal was not in the public's best interest.

"We are not going to go with the plea bargain that was proposed," Reed said.

Hauschultz is accused of ordering his teenage son to punish 7-year-old Ethan Hauschultz for failing to memorize Bible verses, including forcing him to carry a heavy log for hours. Prosecut

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