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The trial was originally scheduled for December 2025 and later pushed back to the following June. Walworth County Circuit Court Judge Kristine Drettwan on Thursday discussed with attorneys for both sides a rigorous discovery schedule to ensure they’re prepared.

The case has increasingly focused on forensic evidence. District Attorney Zeke Wiedenfeld informed the court on Wednesday that firearms testing is complete and results have been shared with the defense. Richards’ attorney, Gibson Hatch, noted the defense intends to have its own expert at trial.

To manage the complex testimony, the court established the following deadlines:

• March 2: Both parties must disclose expert witnesses and reports.
• March 31: Deadline for any Daubert motions, which are legal challenges used to exclude or limit expert testimony.
• April 10: The final deadline for all discoveries. Any evidence exchanged after this date will be barred from the trial.

In a significant ruling for public access, Judge Drettwan said she does not intend to allow live streaming of the trial. The court also finalized jury logistics, noting that 29 potential jurors will be initially considered, and then narrowed to a final panel of 12 jurors and three alternates.

The charges stem from an August 2024 argument at Richards’ off-campus apartment in Whitewater, that led to Welsh’s alleged shooting death.

According to a criminal complaint, Richards told investigators he shot Welsh out of fear for his life after she reached for a handgun. Prosecutors allege Richards took the weapon from Welsh and shot her eight times.

Welsh, 21, was a two-time All-American and a standout on the UW-Whitewater gymnastics team. Richards, a communications major, was a former wrestler for the university.

Richards remains in custody at the Walworth County Jail. A motion hearing is scheduled for April 9 at 1 p.m. to address any outstanding issues before the June trial.