Father and Grandfather Detained in Suspicious Death of Wisconsin Toddler; Family enmeshed in Deception and Tragic Loss

FLORENCE, WI — A 21-year-old Wisconsin man faces accusations of causing his 2-year-old son’s death and implicating his father in a scheme to divert law enforcement’s attention. The tragic incident has resulted in the arrest of both the father and son, as the community grapples with the disturbing details unveiled in the ongoing investigation. James VanderLeest initially reported to police on June 22 that his son, Leo Escalante, had fatally fallen down a staircase while …

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Rapid Verdict: Jury Convicts Man in Tragic Double Homicide at Wisconsin Bar

ELKHORN, WI – A man was convicted of killing a married couple and engaging in a violent crime spree at a local tavern, authorities said Friday. Thomas Routt, 58, faces life behind bars after a Walworth County jury found him guilty of two counts of first-degree intentional homicide, alongside several other charges stemming from the incident earlier this year. The violent episode unfolded around midnight on Feb. 1 at the Sports Page Bar in Elkhorn, …

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Wisconsin Teen Charged with Murder After Dispute with Uncle Turns Deadly

WAUKESHA, WI — A 17-year-old from Waukesha County is facing homicide charges following the death of his uncle, which authorities believe resulted from a dispute at their home in February. The charges were initially for battery but were escalated after the uncle succumbed to his injuries months later. The incident occurred after the uncle reportedly refused to allow the teenager, Ronnie Fuentez, to have a guest stay overnight on February 1. What began as a …

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Wisconsin Man Arrested After Axe Attack Leaves Ex-Girlfriend Severely Injured in Fond du Lac

FOND DU LAC, WI — A local man, aged 34, is now in custody facing several felony charges, including attempted first-degree intentional homicide after allegedly attacking his former girlfriend with an ax. The violence, which occurred on Sunday afternoon in Fond du Lac, left the woman with severe injuries, according to law enforcement officials. Authorities were alerted to the scene after receiving a distressing 911 call from the 38-year-old woman, who reported being assaulted in …

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Wisconsin Couple Charged in Sinister Poison Plot

MILWAUKEE, WI – In a case that has gripped a Wisconsin community, authorities have charged a couple with an elaborate scheme to poison and stalk two women. The suspects, Paul Van Dwine Jr. and Andrea Whitaker, are alleged to have used lethal substances in their plot. Investigators, wearing hazmat suits, searched the suspects’ residence, uncovering evidence of their alleged crimes. The prosecution claims the couple targeted one of Van Dwine’s former partners, using dangerous chemicals …

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Wisconsin Couple Accused in Cyanide Poisoning Plot Against Ex-Partners, Triggering Vast Probe and Hospitalizing Agents

MADISON, WI – A couple from Wisconsin faces serious criminal charges after authorities discovered their alleged plan to murder two women using cyanide, a plot that has stirred considerable law enforcement activity and resulted in hospitalization for several agents due to hazardous material exposure. Paul Van Duyne, 43, and Andrea Whitaker, 41, were arrested after investigations linked them to various attempts to poison Van Duyne’s ex-girlfriends. Van Duyne is charged with attempted first-degree murder among …

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Wisconsin Teen Pleads No Contest in Harrowing Attempted Murder Case Sparked by Social Media Encounter

BEAVER DAM, Wis. — A Wisconsin teenager has pled no contest to charges of attempted first-degree intentional homicide using a dangerous weapon, following a harrowing assault nearly a year ago on a 17-year-old girl he connected with on social media. Dylan Michael Lenz, 19, faced the charges after a violent altercation that occurred at a local Walmart, drawing significant concern from the community regarding youth and mental health issues. Lenz’s plea, entered in court this …

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Wisconsin Man Charged in Neighbor’s Murder Following Brutal Assault and Disturbing Threats

WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI – A local man has been arrested and charged with the killing of his neighbor following a violent dispute last month that left her severely injured and eventually led to her death. Cyril Granahan, 60, faces charges including first-degree reckless homicide in the aftermath of his neighbor’s death on May 8, a consequence of brain bleeding after she was allegedly attacked. The disturbing events unfolded on April 25, according to court documents, …

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Wisconsin Caregiver Charged with Homicide After Elderly Resident’s Death Following Alleged Assault

MEQUON, WI—A caregiver from a Wisconsin senior living facility has been charged with second-degree reckless homicide following the death of a 76-year-old resident. Abrianna Clark, 27, of Milwaukee, allegedly pushed the elderly woman with such force that she sustained a fatal broken femur, according to authorities in Ozaukee County. The alleged incident occurred in November 2024 at Story Point Senior Living in Mequon. The Ozaukee County District Attorney’s Office has detailed a series of concerning …

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16-Year-Old Indicted in Fatal Shooting of Sibling

RINE, WI – In a heart-wrenching turn of events, a 16-year-old boy has been charged after accidentally shooting his younger brother, 11-year-old Jesus Valadereas. The teen, who remains unnamed, claimed the incident was a tragic accident. The brothers were reportedly playing with a gun at home when it discharged, striking Jesus fatally. Family members are left reeling from the loss, describing Jesus as a cheerful and compassionate child. His uncle, Lucas Zenin, expressed the family’s …

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