New motion filed in Ludwig Kaiser legal case
A new motion was filed in Ludwig Kaiser’s legal case this week as the defense prepares for July’s pre-trial conference.
On June 16, the defense filed a motion to gain access to surveillance video from the alleged battery incident Kaiser (Marcel Barthel) is charged with. The defense contacted the apartment complex where the incident took place but were told that the video could not be released without a subpoena. This motion, unopposed by the state, is asking the court to authorize the issuance of a subpoena for the footage.
The motion says:
- Mr. Barthel was arrested and charged with Battery following an incident that occurred at the [Orlando, Florida apartment complex] on or about April 23, 2026.
- The alleged incident took place outside of the elevator on the 12th floor of the apartment complex. Upon information and belief, the event was recorded by video surveillance monitored and stored by [the apartment complex].
- Undersigned counsel contacted the General Manager of [the apartment complex] who indicated that the footage could not be released without a subpoena.
- Mr. Barthel requires a copy of the recording, which should show the alleged incident, to prepare a proper defense.
- Undersigned counsel contacted Assistant State Attorney Shaylynne Kotch who indicated that the State does not object to this motion.
- WHEREFORE, the Defendant respectfully requests the Court enter an Order authorizing issuance of a Subpoena Duces Tecum to [the apartment complex] directing them to produce all related surveillance videos outside of the elevator on the 12th floor of the apartment complex on or about April 23, 2026, at approximately 6:30 p.m.
Details of the battery case —
The alleged victim in the case is a fellow male resident of Kaiser’s apartment complex. In his version of the events, the man told Kaiser and a female to “please have some manners” after they were passionately kissing in the elevator, which led to Kaiser attacking the man and leaving a large scratch and redness on his head.
Police identified Kaiser as their suspect in the case after viewing the surveillance footage. The victim also picked Kaiser out of a photo lineup.
July 16 is the scheduled date for a pre-trial conference, where the prosecution and defense will attempt to work out whether the case will end in a plea agreement or go to trial. It appears that the victim is considering a civil case against Kaiser, with the man obtaining an attorney who focuses on civil litigation and personal injury.
Kaiser is free to travel and continue his WWE work during the case. Following his victory at AAA Noche de Los Grandes, WWE is holding a charity auction for the El Grande Americano mask Kaiser wore that night. Proceeds will be donated to the Dr. Sonrisas Foundation, whose mission is to help put smiles on the faces of Mexican children who are battling serious illnesses.
Joseph Currier is the lead editor of F4WOnline.com, directing daily news coverage and writing articles on professional wrestling. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, obtaining a journalism degree in 2016. Joseph joined F4W during his time at UMass and has now been writing about the industry for nearly a decade.
In addition to his work with F4W, Joseph has previously contributed to Sports Illustrated's wrestling coverage. He lives in Massachusetts and is a diehard fan of the Boston sports teams and Liverpool Football Club.