Police are investigating the death of a woman found with serious injuries at her home on Monroe Street, Little Chute. The incident occurred early Friday morning and is being treated as a death investigation. While there is no information on the cause of death yet, authorities believe this is an isolated incident, posing no threat to the community. They have reached out to the public for any leads related to the case.
Meanwhile, the legal saga surrounding Richard Pierce continues even after his death. Richard, who was convicted of murdering his wife, Carol Jean Pierce, back in 1975, passed away two months ago. Despite his death, the appeal he had initiated against his conviction remains active. Door County Judge David Weber emphasized the legal principle stating, "A defendant’s right to final determination to the merits of the case, survives his death, meaning an appeal... continues at the discretion of the estate of the deceased.” This unique aspect of the case highlights how legal proceedings can continue beyond the life of the accused.
Pierce’s murder case is notable not only for its age but also because it was the first conviction for murder without the victim's body, which had not been found for nearly three months post-disappearance. Richard was serving life for the crime and experienced legal turmoil up until his last days.
Turning to another case rooted deeply within Wisconsin's youth, Joseph L. Schmidt-Rehbein was sentenced to five-and-a-half years for his role in the fentanyl overdose death of another teen. The incident occurred back in April when Schmidt-Rehbein, then 15 years old, was reported to have been using drugs alongside the 18-year-old victim before he began to overdose. Instead of seeking help, it’s alleged the boys left their friend on the sidewalk where he later died. Prosecutor Eric Toney shared, "Schmidt-Rehbein was also sentenced to 10-and-a-half years extended supervision" following his conviction for First Degree Reckless Homicide.
This case drew attention as it involved two other defendants: Maison Springston, who also faced sentencing, and Donavyn Mueller, who is scheduled for sentencing on February 7, 2025. Both were connected to the tragic events leading up to the young man's death, emphasizing the dangers surrounding drug use among teenagers.
Lastly, on the wildlife front, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) confirmed the first chronic wasting disease (CWD) case detected in Menominee County, identified through testing of a harvested wild deer. This alarming development has led to reinstatement of bans on baiting and feeding, set to last for three years. CWD, a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy found in deer, results in significant health concerns for wildlife and raises questions about hunting and public safety.
The DNR noted the new CWD case was within ten miles of counties already affected, but emphasized existing bans would not be altered at this time. Such measures are instrumental to managing wildlife health and protecting both deer populations and public health.
Wisconsin finds itself grappling with serious criminal and environmental challenges, highlighting issues around public safety, legal accountability, and wildlife management. These cases underline not just the individual tragedies involved, but also the broader impact on community safety and health statewide.
