14-year-old boy charged with shooting girlfriend appears in Racine County court

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RACINE COUNTY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A 14-year-old charged with attempted murder appeared in Racine County court Wednesday morning, Jan. 18.

Elia Olson is in juvenile custody after officials say he shot his 14-year-old girlfriend three times in the head.

The criminal complaint notes it happened after the victim tried to break up with him. 

The 14-year-old victim, Jazlene Jones, survived and is recovering. 

Wednesday's court appearance was supposed to be a preliminary hearing for Olson but was adjourned after the Public Defender's Office said they couldn't find a lawyer for him in time. 

According to the Public Defender's Office, trial attorney turnover is more than 20%, twice as much as before the pandemic.  

Every county across Wisconsin is seeing both defense and prosecutor shortages. 

Legislative liaison Adam Plotkin says it's likely due to a low budget leading to low pay and high workloads. 

Plotkin says short staff leads to delayed cases, which impacts public safety.

"When the resources aren't there and a person's case is delayed, there are public safety ramifications either immediately or at some point down the road," Plotkin said. "The more time someone spends entangled in the criminal justice system, the more likely they are to recidivate at some point in the future."

A status hearing was scheduled for Feb. 20, giving the office more than a month to find an attorney.

Olson remains in custody under a $500,000 bond.

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