Testimony continues in Timothy Olson Milwaukee kidnapping trial as court weighs self-representation and medical interruptions

Trial centers on 2022 alleged abduction of a 79-year-old Franklin woman

The kidnapping trial of Timothy Olson continued this week in Milwaukee County Circuit Court, with proceedings focused on allegations that a 79-year-old Franklin woman was abducted at gunpoint on Nov. 22, 2022, and forced to drive while her financial cards were used during a series of stops across Milwaukee County.

Jurors heard the state outline its account of the events during opening statements held March 10, after a jury was seated. Prosecutors told jurors the woman had been a regular customer at Casa Di Giorgio in Franklin and had spoken with a man who introduced himself using the name “Mario.” Prosecutors said the man was Olson and alleged he entered the woman’s vehicle in the restaurant parking lot, displayed a gun, and ordered her to drive.

Olson, 55, is representing himself at trial with standby counsel available under court rules. In his brief opening statement, Olson told jurors he believed the evidence would show he was innocent.

Prosecutors’ narrative includes forced travel, card use at gas stations, and an overnight ordeal

Publicly described allegations in the case include that the woman was directed to drive to a bank, that her debit or credit card was used repeatedly during stops at multiple gas stations, and that the incident extended overnight before ending the next morning when the woman obtained help near a Greenfield-area business. A witness described in pretrial accounts as a passerby was expected to be among those called to testify about the victim’s condition after she got away.

Separate public statements in earlier reporting about the investigation have described the woman telling police she was forced to consume alcohol and that she did not remember parts of the episode until waking the next morning.

Courtroom proceedings disrupted by defendant’s medical episode during testimony

On March 11, court proceedings were interrupted during witness testimony when Olson appeared to experience a medical episode. Jurors were ushered out of the courtroom as the situation unfolded. Olson arrived that day in a wheelchair and wearing jail clothing, and he told the judge he felt unwell. Court discussion also addressed whether Olson wished to participate in cross-examination of witnesses, a key issue in cases where a defendant is self-represented.

Competency disputes and representation issues preceded trial

The trial follows extended pretrial litigation over Olson’s competency and representation status. In late February, a court hearing addressed the results of a competency evaluation. A clinician concluded Olson was competent to proceed, while Olson disputed that finding and sought additional steps before trial. Earlier coverage also described Olson’s history of changing attorneys and raising concerns about memory loss and injuries while in custody.

• The case involves allegations of kidnapping and related financial offenses stemming from the Nov. 22, 2022 incident.

• The court has permitted Olson to represent himself with standby counsel, requiring that he personally handle questioning unless removed for misconduct under court rules.

• The trial has included disruptions linked to the defendant’s health, including the March 11 interruption during testimony.

Olson is presumed innocent. The state must prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.

The trial was expected to continue through the week, with additional witnesses anticipated as jurors evaluate the competing accounts presented in court.