White back in custody, bond increased, demand for speedy trial

Julia L. White, 43, of Merrill, appeared in Lincoln County Circuit Court before Judge Jessica Fehrenbach on Monday, May 12, 2026, for arraignment in connection with the March 27 stabbing of a male victim at her East Street residence. Attorney Tim Osicka appeared in court on White’s behalf, with Assistant District Attorney Jacob Collinsworth appearing for the state in place of District Attorney Kristopher R. Ellis.
Preliminary hearing waived, not guilty plea entered
White’s defense provided the court with a waiver of preliminary hearing. Judge Fehrenbach reviewed the waiver with White and found it to be free and voluntary. The court accepted the waiver, found probable cause that a felony had been committed, and bound White over for further proceedings. The information was filed with the court, and the defense waived the reading. The defense entered a not guilty plea on all counts on White’s behalf, which the court accepted.
As previously reported, White faces three charges in the matter: attempted first-degree intentional homicide, first-degree reckless injury, and battery — bodily harm. Conviction on the most serious count carries a potential prison sentence of up to 60 years.
Bond increased, new conditions imposed

The state filed a motion to increase White’s bond at the May 12 hearing. Osicka objected, arguing for a reduction or conversion to a signature bond. Judge Fehrenbach granted the state’s motion, increasing White’s bond to a straight $50,000 cash bond — up from the combined $10,000 cash and $40,000 signature bond she had previously posted and been released on. White was remanded into custody at the conclusion of the hearing.
In addition to the previously imposed bond conditions — which included no contact with the victim or his family, staying 500 feet away from any residence or premises occupied by the victim, absolute sobriety, no possession of alcoholic beverages or controlled substances, and no possession of dangerous weapons — the court added several new conditions. Should White post the new bond, she must relinquish her passport and may not obtain a new one, may not leave the state of Wisconsin, and must be equipped with a GPS monitor prior to release from custody. As of this writing on Tuesday morning, May 19, White remained in custody in the Lincoln County Jail.
Speedy trial demanded
On May 18, 2026, White’s defense filed a demand for a speedy trial in the matter.
A telephone scheduling conference has been set for July 16, 2026, at 10 a.m.
Presumed innocent
This case has not been concluded. Unless a judgment of conviction is entered, White is presumed innocent of all charges.