Lantern Project: Since October 2013, Hope House has joined with other domestic violence programs around the state by implementing the Lantern Project. For our part in this statewide project, we added to the lamppost in front of Hope House a purple wreath. We will turn on the light for a week every time there is a death related to domestic violence in Wisconsin. We will post information online about the person(s) that was killed. If you drive by our building and see our lamppost on, please reflect on the deadly impact that domestic violence has on our communities. We know the list of stories we post here is incomplete. We strive to learn about and share these stories but know that there are some that we and the media miss. If you see a news story of a death in WI related to domestic violence and don't see it posted here, please feel free to let us know about it here. Thank you.
March 22nd, 2018, Alexander Woodworth, 24, Eau Claire
Obituary
News Article
The Eau Claire man whose body was found in a car in rural Dunn County last Friday, was stabbed to death.
That's one of many new details News 18 learned Wednesday at a bond hearing held for the woman suspected of killing him.
Ezra McCandless, from Stanley, appeared in court via video conference from the Dunn County Jail on Wednesday. She's held on possible first degree murder charges for the death of a man officials called "her significant other," Alexander Woodworth.
"The provisional autopsy report indicates that the deceased victim was stabbed 16 different times," said Dunn County District Attorney Andrea Nodolf. "The information that we have from the defendant in this case is that she is claiming that the deceased victim attacked her, but then also informed law enforcement after she wanted it to stop she carved the word "boy" into her arm." Nodolf requested McCandless be held on a $750,000 cash bond given the severity of the crime, saying she believes McCandless is a threat to others due to concerns about her mental stability.
Defense attorney Aaron Nelson argued against the high bond, calling it 'ridiculous. '"She has ties to the community, she has lived here basically her entire life," Nelson argued. "Her family is there, she has no prior record, no prior arrests. I think the amount that was proposed is, unnecessary." Ultimately, the judge set bond at $250,000.
News 18 did some digging, and learned other information. According to a search warrant we obtained, this case started last Thursday night (March 22), when a man called 911 to report that McCandless, who was distraught, showed up at his house near the crime scene. She was described as cold, barefoot and disheveled, with some blood around her mouth, and asked that he take her to see a doctor.
No charges have officially been filed against McCandless yet, but the DA anticipates a charge that carries mandatory life in prison.
The Dunn County Sheriff’s Office is looking for anyone that may have information about this case.
If you live near, or were traveling on, CTH E between Hwy 12 on Thursday, March 22nd between 1:00 pm and 4:30 pm and saw something out of the ordinary such as a vehicle, people walking or biking that you don’t normally see in the area, you should call police.
There may also be people that know the victim and/or suspect in this case that may have information that has not been relayed to law enforcement yet. Anyone having information they feel may be relevant to this homicide investigation is encouraged to call the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office at 715-232-1348 to speak with Sgt. Todd Kurtzhals or Investigator Rod Dicus. Information may also be relayed to the Sheriff’s Office through Dunn County Crime Stoppers at dunncocrimestoppers.com.
March 24th, 2018 , Christopher Race, Age 39, Wisconsin Rapids
Obituary
News Article
A 39-year-old Wisconsin Rapids man shot to death in a coffee shop March 24 had his two young children with him when he was killed, according to court documents filed l ate Thursday afternoon in Wood County Circuit Court.A charge of first-degree intentional homicide was filed Thursday against Gary E. Bohman, 59, in the shooting death of Christopher M. Race. According to court documents: Wisconsin Rapids officers responded to Higher Grounds Bakery and Coffee Shop, 4231 Eighth St. S., Wisconsin Rapids on March 24 after the Wood County Dispatch received a 911 call with an open line.
When officers arrived at the scene, a neighboring business owner was standing outside with a 7-year-old boy, one of Race's sons. The man told officers the boy's dad was shot while standing behind the counter of the coffee shop.
The man said the boy ran over to his business and said his father was shot. The boy told an officer he tried to call 911 from the bakery, but he was not sure whether the call went through.
Officers found Race on the floor behind the counter. He had a wound to his upper abdomen and appeared to be dead.
Another officer saw Bohman walking toward the coffee shop holding Race's 11-month-old son. Bohman told the officer he had called 911. Bohman said he arrived at the bakery to get a coffee and found Race on the floor.
The 7-year-old boy told an officer that he, his 11-month-old brother, his father and another man were inside the bakery when the 7-year-old heard a gunshot. The boy said Bohman was the man in the coffee shop.
A Wood County Sheriff's Department lieutenant found a gun in Bohman's pocket. Officers examined the 9mm pistol and found one round in the chamber. The 9mm round matched an empty shell casing found inside the bakery.
A detective watched surveillance footage from inside the bakery. The footage showed Race working in the bakery with his 11-month-old and 7-year-old sons.
The footage showed two customers, one of them Bohman, inside the bakery. One customer left and Bohman got up and went to the counter. It appeared Bohman asked Race for an item inside the bakery case. Bohman is then seen raising a pistol with his right hand and firing one shot, hitting Race, and Race fell to the ground.
Bohman then is seen picking up the 11-month-old child and carrying him around the store for some time before leaving with the child.
Employees at Applebee's Restaurant reported a man carrying a child came into the restaurant, said someone had been hurt and asked employees to call 911.
Police showed Race's wife a still frame shot of Bohman sitting in the cafe. Race's wife recognized Bohman as her ex-husband.
Bohman is scheduled to make a court appearance Monday morning. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Obituary
News Article
A 39-year-old Wisconsin Rapids man shot to death in a coffee shop March 24 had his two young children with him when he was killed, according to court documents filed l ate Thursday afternoon in Wood County Circuit Court.A charge of first-degree intentional homicide was filed Thursday against Gary E. Bohman, 59, in the shooting death of Christopher M. Race. According to court documents: Wisconsin Rapids officers responded to Higher Grounds Bakery and Coffee Shop, 4231 Eighth St. S., Wisconsin Rapids on March 24 after the Wood County Dispatch received a 911 call with an open line.
When officers arrived at the scene, a neighboring business owner was standing outside with a 7-year-old boy, one of Race's sons. The man told officers the boy's dad was shot while standing behind the counter of the coffee shop.
The man said the boy ran over to his business and said his father was shot. The boy told an officer he tried to call 911 from the bakery, but he was not sure whether the call went through.
Officers found Race on the floor behind the counter. He had a wound to his upper abdomen and appeared to be dead.
Another officer saw Bohman walking toward the coffee shop holding Race's 11-month-old son. Bohman told the officer he had called 911. Bohman said he arrived at the bakery to get a coffee and found Race on the floor.
The 7-year-old boy told an officer that he, his 11-month-old brother, his father and another man were inside the bakery when the 7-year-old heard a gunshot. The boy said Bohman was the man in the coffee shop.
A Wood County Sheriff's Department lieutenant found a gun in Bohman's pocket. Officers examined the 9mm pistol and found one round in the chamber. The 9mm round matched an empty shell casing found inside the bakery.
A detective watched surveillance footage from inside the bakery. The footage showed Race working in the bakery with his 11-month-old and 7-year-old sons.
The footage showed two customers, one of them Bohman, inside the bakery. One customer left and Bohman got up and went to the counter. It appeared Bohman asked Race for an item inside the bakery case. Bohman is then seen raising a pistol with his right hand and firing one shot, hitting Race, and Race fell to the ground.
Bohman then is seen picking up the 11-month-old child and carrying him around the store for some time before leaving with the child.
Employees at Applebee's Restaurant reported a man carrying a child came into the restaurant, said someone had been hurt and asked employees to call 911.
Police showed Race's wife a still frame shot of Bohman sitting in the cafe. Race's wife recognized Bohman as her ex-husband.
Bohman is scheduled to make a court appearance Monday morning. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
March 26th, 2018 , Kiara Brown Age 18, Milwaukee
Obituary
News Article
The ex-boyfriend of a Milwaukee teen shot and killed earlier this week now faces criminal charges.
Kiara Brown was found shot to death in a car outside her home near N. 98th St. and W. Carmen Ave. Monday.
The next day, 19-year-old Marvin Patterson turned himself into police, according to a criminal complaint. He initially told officers that Brown tried grabbing a gun he had placed in the cup holder of the car. When he tried to grab it from her, the gun accidentally went off, the complaint says.
Patterson quickly changed his story, telling police he "decided to point the gun at her head," and when he did so "the gun went off and shot [Kiara]."
According to the complaint, Patterson says "he did not intend to kill [Kiara]," and drove the car into an alley and left her inside after the crime because "he freaked out."
Patterson faces one count of first degree reckless homicide. If convicted, he faces up to 65 years in prison.
Kiara's mother Kenisha says her daughter had been worried about picking out the right prom dress and finishing her senior year. Kenisha will instead get to plan her daughter’s funeral.
“He took my baby,” said Kenisha Brown. “He turned himself in, but it’s not going to make me feel better. It’s not going to take the pain away.”
She said Patterson lured her out of the house Sunday saying he had something to show her. The two had broken up a year ago but he had recently gotten back in touch.
“This is someone who clearly let jealously play a huge role,” said Trinity Brown, Kiara’s aunt.
The head of Milwaukee’s Domestic Violence Commission Karin Tyler said any violence in a relationship, no matter the age, should not be ignored.
According to the Center for Disease Control, 12 percent of high school girls report physical violence from a partner. But the commission said the numbers are much higher.
"It's one in three youth have experienced that. That's quite a bit and it can be very volatile,” said Tyler.
Kiara’s family now wants to know if someone saw their daughter being abused in the past. But her mom said that does not bring back their daughter.
“Even if I get answers that won’t be enough. That won’t be enough,” said Kenisha Brown.
Obituary
News Article
The ex-boyfriend of a Milwaukee teen shot and killed earlier this week now faces criminal charges.
Kiara Brown was found shot to death in a car outside her home near N. 98th St. and W. Carmen Ave. Monday.
The next day, 19-year-old Marvin Patterson turned himself into police, according to a criminal complaint. He initially told officers that Brown tried grabbing a gun he had placed in the cup holder of the car. When he tried to grab it from her, the gun accidentally went off, the complaint says.
Patterson quickly changed his story, telling police he "decided to point the gun at her head," and when he did so "the gun went off and shot [Kiara]."
According to the complaint, Patterson says "he did not intend to kill [Kiara]," and drove the car into an alley and left her inside after the crime because "he freaked out."
Patterson faces one count of first degree reckless homicide. If convicted, he faces up to 65 years in prison.
Kiara's mother Kenisha says her daughter had been worried about picking out the right prom dress and finishing her senior year. Kenisha will instead get to plan her daughter’s funeral.
“He took my baby,” said Kenisha Brown. “He turned himself in, but it’s not going to make me feel better. It’s not going to take the pain away.”
She said Patterson lured her out of the house Sunday saying he had something to show her. The two had broken up a year ago but he had recently gotten back in touch.
“This is someone who clearly let jealously play a huge role,” said Trinity Brown, Kiara’s aunt.
The head of Milwaukee’s Domestic Violence Commission Karin Tyler said any violence in a relationship, no matter the age, should not be ignored.
According to the Center for Disease Control, 12 percent of high school girls report physical violence from a partner. But the commission said the numbers are much higher.
"It's one in three youth have experienced that. That's quite a bit and it can be very volatile,” said Tyler.
Kiara’s family now wants to know if someone saw their daughter being abused in the past. But her mom said that does not bring back their daughter.
“Even if I get answers that won’t be enough. That won’t be enough,” said Kenisha Brown.
April 1st, 2018 , Andrew T. Thorland - Age 33, Madison
Obituary Pending
News Article
The homicide victim and suspect in the shooting on Meadowlark Drive have been identified.
Andrew T. Thorland, age 33, has been confirmed the victim of a gun related homicide. He was brought to a local hospital, but died shortly after arriving.
Timothy A. Thorland, age 58, has been confirmed as the suspect in the gun related homicide. He was also brought to a local hospital after a self-inflicted gun injury, but died shortly after arriving.
Madison Police responded to the 600 block of Meadowlark Drive for reports of shots fired early Sunday morning.
"Madison apparently has its first official homicide of the year," Madison Police Chief Mike Koval said in a press conference Sunday evening. "This has all the tell-tale signs of a murder-suicide."
The call in came in at 6:08 a.m. at 614 Meadowlark Drive that two people were down with gunshot wounds, according to Madison Police Chief Mike Koval.
When officers arrived, they were contacted by a 61-year-old woman who directed them to a bedroom of a residential single-family dwelling. Koval says the "very distraught" mother and wife of the men reported the shooting.
"The room was first tactically cleared and officers located two individuals, a 58-year-old white male as well as a 33-year-old white male who were both found with gunshot wounds to their bodies," Chief Koval said.
MFD responded once the scene was deemed stable and attempted life-saving resuscitation and aid. Both men were taken to a local trauma hospital. Both individuals were pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
"Given the fact our investigation thus far would indicate that the men were known to one another, they were in a domestic relationship in the context of a father and a son," Chief Koval said.
MPD recovered the semi-automatic gun and four casings from the incident.
Authorities haven't yet released the men's names. Koval says authorities have a "good working supposition" about which man fired the shots.
There had also been a friend, an acquaintance of the 33-year-old who had spent the night in anticipation of having to go to work early in Madison, according to Chief Koval.
"He has already been interviewed and suffice to say that we have nothing that would suggest that there was any precipitating event which would have occurred hours just prior to this, as everybody was seemingly was getting on with their normal order of business watching movies and there was nothing that would have given any tell tale sign that this was going to happen this morning," Chief Koval said.
There was still a smell of remnant gun powder when officer arrived, according to Koval.
"That’s how quickly it was contained, there’s absolutely no indications in terms of any forced entry to the home or anything beyond what occurred in that isolated family dwelling this morning," Chief Koval said.
Koval added that the capacities of the incidents over the course of the last week are something that he's concerned about.
"Acknowledging that we these officers and firefighters that are rendering aid and care, what they are seeing is not the norm, not the human condition, as we all typically will experience it. The first responders who have a unique role in stewarding are vulnerable, but also have to be looked at as how we’re vulnerable as well to those repeated onsets. This week has been particularly compelling," Chief Koval said.
An investigation is ongoing.
Obituary Pending
News Article
The homicide victim and suspect in the shooting on Meadowlark Drive have been identified.
Andrew T. Thorland, age 33, has been confirmed the victim of a gun related homicide. He was brought to a local hospital, but died shortly after arriving.
Timothy A. Thorland, age 58, has been confirmed as the suspect in the gun related homicide. He was also brought to a local hospital after a self-inflicted gun injury, but died shortly after arriving.
Madison Police responded to the 600 block of Meadowlark Drive for reports of shots fired early Sunday morning.
"Madison apparently has its first official homicide of the year," Madison Police Chief Mike Koval said in a press conference Sunday evening. "This has all the tell-tale signs of a murder-suicide."
The call in came in at 6:08 a.m. at 614 Meadowlark Drive that two people were down with gunshot wounds, according to Madison Police Chief Mike Koval.
When officers arrived, they were contacted by a 61-year-old woman who directed them to a bedroom of a residential single-family dwelling. Koval says the "very distraught" mother and wife of the men reported the shooting.
"The room was first tactically cleared and officers located two individuals, a 58-year-old white male as well as a 33-year-old white male who were both found with gunshot wounds to their bodies," Chief Koval said.
MFD responded once the scene was deemed stable and attempted life-saving resuscitation and aid. Both men were taken to a local trauma hospital. Both individuals were pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
"Given the fact our investigation thus far would indicate that the men were known to one another, they were in a domestic relationship in the context of a father and a son," Chief Koval said.
MPD recovered the semi-automatic gun and four casings from the incident.
Authorities haven't yet released the men's names. Koval says authorities have a "good working supposition" about which man fired the shots.
There had also been a friend, an acquaintance of the 33-year-old who had spent the night in anticipation of having to go to work early in Madison, according to Chief Koval.
"He has already been interviewed and suffice to say that we have nothing that would suggest that there was any precipitating event which would have occurred hours just prior to this, as everybody was seemingly was getting on with their normal order of business watching movies and there was nothing that would have given any tell tale sign that this was going to happen this morning," Chief Koval said.
There was still a smell of remnant gun powder when officer arrived, according to Koval.
"That’s how quickly it was contained, there’s absolutely no indications in terms of any forced entry to the home or anything beyond what occurred in that isolated family dwelling this morning," Chief Koval said.
Koval added that the capacities of the incidents over the course of the last week are something that he's concerned about.
"Acknowledging that we these officers and firefighters that are rendering aid and care, what they are seeing is not the norm, not the human condition, as we all typically will experience it. The first responders who have a unique role in stewarding are vulnerable, but also have to be looked at as how we’re vulnerable as well to those repeated onsets. This week has been particularly compelling," Chief Koval said.
An investigation is ongoing.
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