Off-Duty Deputy kills 6, injures 1 in Wisconsin

[MuffyBee]

6 Killed In Wisconsin Shooting
Off-Duty Police Deputy Kills 6, Injures 1, Before He Is Taken Down By Sniper
CRANDON, Wis., Oct. 7, 2007

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/10/07/national/main3340055.shtml?source=mostpop_story
(AP) An off-duty sheriff's deputy went on a shooting rampage early Sunday in remote northern Wisconsin, killing six people and injuring a seventh before authorities fatally shot him, officials said.

The suspect was 20 years old and worked full-time as a Forest County deputy sheriff and part-time as a Crandon police officer, Sheriff Keith Van Cleve said. He would not release the suspect's name but said he was not working at the time of the shooting.

A seventh shooting victim was in critical condition at a hospital in nearby Marshfield, said Police Chief John Dennee. A Crandon police officer who fired back was treated for minor injuries and released.
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[Levi]

You know some people might find this completely over the line, but I'm going to say this anyway. I'm glad that this man was shot by police, whether he wanted to get shot or not. From reports I've read, children were victims and it is just sick. Wisconsin doesn't have the death penalty and if he hadn't been shot it would be nauseating, all the resources spent on a trial, putting him in protective part of prison, since he is a cop, and since children were his victims and basically housing him for the rest of his life.

Justice was served. Too bad if his mission was to get killed that he couldn't have shot JUST HIMSELF. What an evil man.

[MuffyBee]

Cops: Wisc. Victims Included Gunman's Ex
Police Say 1 Victim Had Rocky Relationship With Off-Duty Deputy Who Killed 6 In Rampage
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/10/08/national/main3340981.shtml

CRANDON, Wis., Oct. 8, 2007

[MuffyBee]

Police: Wisconsin Shooter Completed Law Training, Never Had Psychological Testing

Monday, October 08, 2007
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,300003,00.html
CRANDON, Wis. —  A young sheriff's deputy who opened fire on a pizza party and killed six people reportedly flew into a rage when he was rebuffed by his old girlfriend, and others at the gathering called him a "worthless pig."

A longtime friend told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Monday that 20-year-old Tyler Peterson came to his door in the hours after the rampage and calmly explained what he had done.

"He wasn't running around crazy or anything. He was very, very sorry for what he did," Mike Kegley told the newspaper, adding that he gave Peterson coffee and food and later called 911.

Peterson told Kegley that he had gone to his ex-girlfriend's house early Sunday morning in hopes of patching up the relationship after a recent breakup. But, he said, Peterson lost control when the meeting ended in an argument and other people started ridiculing him as a "worthless pig."
(snipped)
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The article explains his hiring and there is some question of his being so young to be a police officer.  Some states have different requirements to be a policeman and the article discusses some of that also if you want more background.

[MsVada]

Police: Wisconsin Shooter Completed Law Training, Never Had Psychological Testing

Monday, October 08, 2007
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,300003,00.html
CRANDON, Wis. —  A young sheriff's deputy who opened fire on a pizza party and killed six people reportedly flew into a rage when he was rebuffed by his old girlfriend, and others at the gathering called him a "worthless pig."

A longtime friend told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Monday that 20-year-old Tyler Peterson came to his door in the hours after the rampage and calmly explained what he had done.

"He wasn't running around crazy or anything. He was very, very sorry for what he did," Mike Kegley told the newspaper, adding that he gave Peterson coffee and food and later called 911.

Peterson told Kegley that he had gone to his ex-girlfriend's house early Sunday morning in hopes of patching up the relationship after a recent breakup. But, he said, Peterson lost control when the meeting ended in an argument and other people started ridiculing him as a "worthless pig."
(snipped)
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The article explains his hiring and there is some question of his being so young to be a police officer.  Some states have different requirements to be a policeman and the article discusses some of that also if you want more background.

How very sad.  It is even sadder that there are people out there that are "walking timebombs" ready to blow off at any little thing.  You just never know if something you do is going to be what makes someone flip.

[GreatOwl]

Some details are beginning to circulate now and it is a matter of sorting out the rumors from the fact.  I have some questions regarding what exactly his "rigorless" training consisted of and how much training he actually had.  I know the Wisconsin laws are pretty open ended when it comes to those in law enforcement in the upper counties of our state.  Where there is a shortage it is possible to get a "waiver" to allow someone to work prior to completing a police science degree.  Normally, a degree of this type takes at least two years to complete.  One of the problems facing anyone wishing to get this training is that of a waiting list to get into the couple of certified schools which offer the training.  The Fire Science and Police Science programs have traditionally had a 12 to 24 month waiting list to get into the programs.  Given his age, I find it difficult to comprehend that he actually did go through a bonified program.  We do know that for whatever reason the legislature has not passed a regulation requiring a psychological evaluation before employment.  Most of the larger communities require that in addition to a "lie detector" test.  This is not the case in the rural areas.

The family owns several businesses in the area from what I am hearing.  Some speculation has been that he was able to be hired because of who he knew rather than what he knew.  Family and friends give an account of what a great kid he was and I have no reason to doubt that, however, there are now reports that he had his own run ins with  law enforcement in the past.  There is a report out there that there actually was a restraining order taken out by his ex girl friend against him.  Now whether that was still in effect or actually existed has yet to be confirmed by law enforcement.  Everything is pretty "tight lipped" right now and an independent investigation is being run by the State Attorney General.

Much of this may just be rumor, but I do know not all law enforcement officers in the outer reaches of this state are of the type of quality you would find in a larger city.  As far as being a great kid, I just have to think back to the recent trial of Brendan Dassey and Steven Avery to find those kinds of endorsements by family and friends.

I will keep an open yet very inquisitive mind in this case.  I hope they find it appropriate to change the law in regard to "actual" qualifications.  We still have many volunteer fire and law enforcement individuals in this state.

[MuffyBee]

Thank you for your post GreatOwl.  Any updates would be appreciated. 

[MuffyBee]

Oct 9, 5:58 PM EDT

Wis. AG: Deputy Shot Himself 3 Times

By ROBERT IMRIE
Associated Press Writer
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/W/WISCONSIN_SHOOTING?SITE=FLTAM&SECTION=US
 CRANDON, Wis. (AP) -- An off-duty sheriff's deputy who killed six people apparently shot himself three times, with the last shot hitting him in the right side of the head, the state attorney general said Tuesday.

Tyler Peterson, 20, shot himself twice under the chin, while the third and fatal shot entered the right side of his head, Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen said. Peterson also was shot once in the left biceps from a distance.
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This is what he should have done in the first place, imo.  If he isn't happy and wants to die, it's hard to stop someone.  But to take others lives is just not right.

[GreatOwl]

according to local news reports this evening there was a complaint filed in July against him for sexual misconduct or assault.   They are not going into details yet.

[MuffyBee]

according to local news reports this evening there was a complaint filed in July against him for sexual misconduct or assault.   They are not going into details yet.

TY GreatOwl. I wonder if the complaint  was coming up for a hearing or some kind of action.  I wonder where his ex girlfriend fits into the equation. 

[GreatOwl]

according to local news reports this evening there was a complaint filed in July against him for sexual misconduct or assault.   They are not going into details yet.

TY GreatOwl. I wonder if the complaint  was coming up for a hearing or some kind of action.  I wonder where his ex girlfriend fits into the equation. 

nothing mentioned about ex-gf at this point.  this is someone else from the community that filed a complaint against him.

[mrs. red]

Owl, thanks for bringing us news that we wouldn't normally see... pls keep us updated

[MuffyBee]

Last Updated: Thursday, October 11, 2007 12:22 PM CDT
Peterson’s name added to claim filed by Crandon couple
http://www.rhinelanderdailynews.com/articles/2007/10/11/news/news01.txt

by Heather Schaefer - Regional Editor -

On Oct. 9, just two days after Peterson killed his on-again off-again girlfriend and five of her friends, an attorney for Danielle and Brian Marvin of Crandon amended a notice of claim against Carter to include the deceased gunman.

Forest County Sheriff Keith Van Cleve, former sheriff Roger Wilson and Crandon Police Chief John Dennee are also named in the notice of claim, a common precursor to a lawsuit.

Danielle Marvin, 26, alleges she suffered internal and external injuries “as a result of excessive force used against her” by police officers for the city of Crandon and Forest County Sheriff’s Deputies.

When her original notice of claim was filed in late September, only Carter was referred to by name as one of the officers who allegedly injured Marvin.

Marvin’s attorney, Alan Eisenberg of Milwaukee, said Wednesday Peterson’s name was added to the claim because his clients were not sure of the names of the other officers involved in the traffic stop when the claim was first filed.

Peterson was described as an assisting officer during the traffic stop when Danielle Marvin, who has been charged with battery to a law officer, resisting arrest and other crimes, appeared in court for a preliminary hearing in September.

Peterson did not testify during that hearing. Carter was the only officer called to the stand and he denied roughing up the Marvins.

During the hearing, Carter testified he sprayed Danielle Marvin with pepper spray only after she refused to let him search her vehicle, kicked him in the chest three times and hit him with a closed hand.

As a result of the alleged excessive force, Marvin claims she suffered severe injuries that required medical treatment and will require more medical treatment in the future.

Specifically, Marvin claims police officers attempted to suffocate her, torture her with pepper spray and a water hose, attempted to sexually assault her and traumatized her husband and five children who were forced to watch her suffer.

She also claims jail officials refused to allow her to get medical treatment for more than 28 hours “causing additional and needless pain and suffering.”

Marvin is asking for $200,000 in compensatory damages and $200,000 in punitive damages from both the city of Crandon and Forest County.

The Marvins’ claims arise out of a July 10, 2007 traffic stop.

According to testimony at the preliminary hearing, the Marvins were approached by Carter while Brian Marvin was pumping gas. The officer indicated he knew Marvin did not have a driver’s license and detained him in his squad car.

Brian Marvin told the officer he was driving only because his wife was in pain and couldn’t operate the vehicle, according to testimony at the preliminary hearing.

Danielle Marvin was bound over for trial following the preliminary hearing. She is scheduled to enter a plea on Nov. 5. A status conference is also scheduled for Brian Marvin, who was charged with criminal damage to property and operating without a license following the traffic stop.

When Carter drove up to 201. N. Hazeldell Ave. early Sunday morning, he saw Peterson exiting the apartment with a rifle. Peterson had just killed ex-girlfriend Jordanne Murray and five others, and he fired more shots at Carter.

Carter was not hit, though he suffered minor injuries and his squad car was damaged.

During a press conference Tuesday, Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen introduced Carter as a hero.

“Officer Carter displayed a tremendous amount of bravery and intelligence during this time. He performed exactly as trained under these harrowing circumstances, saving his life,” Van Hollen said.

Peterson died roughly 12 hours after the shootings. Authorities have said he suffered three gunshot wounds to the head which they believe to be self-inflicted.

[GreatOwl]

Just an addition to that report:  I had no idea Alan Eisenberg was the attorney.  This will probably be settled out of court.  It is interesting that the two youngest on the police force were named.  I still have a problem with hiring officers who go through training at such a minimal level.  It takes far more training and qualifications to become an Eagle Scout.  Think about that.  I do believe we need to change our laws.

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"The claim, which was originally filed Aug. 31, was amended Tuesday to specifically name police officers and deputies Peterson and Greg Carter.

The officers were named after the shootings because media outlets asked why the complaint did not specifically include names, said attorney Alan Eisenberg.

"Our primary complaint … was really against the city and the county," he said. "It's not a big deal. We just added the names."

The claim stems from a July 10 traffic stop, when Marvin was arrested and jailed at the Forest County Jail. She was charged with disorderly conduct, resisting an officer, possession of marijuana, intimidating a victim and criminal damage to property, as well as a felony charge of battery of a law officer. The case is pending.

Marvin claims the officers tried to suffocate her and attempted to sexually assault her in front of her husband and five children. She is seeking $400,000 in damages. "

[MuffyBee]

Wis. Town to Bury 7 of Its Young People
Small Wisconsin Town to Begin Burying 6 Young People Shot by Off-Duty Sheriff's Deputy
By CARRIE ANTLFINGER Associated Press Writer
CRANDON, Wis. Oct 12, 2007 (AP)
http://www.abcnews.go.com/US/WireStory?id=3721401&page=1
Pastor Bill Farr's son grew up with Tyler Peterson, the young sheriff's deputy who shot and killed six friends and injured a seventh before killing himself. The two hunted and fished together, he said.

Now, Farr is struggling to find the right words for his eulogy of the 20-year-old man who caused this close-knit community so much pain. Meanwhile, he must work to ease the suffering of Peterson's family, the victims' families and friends.
(snipped)

[MuffyBee]

Wis. Official Tells Public Not to Talk to Reporters After Crandon Shooting Rampage

Sunday, October 14, 2007
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,301704,00.html
MADISON, Wis.  —  The state's top law enforcement official is drawing criticism for encouraging the public not to answer reporters' questions about a north woods shooting by an off-duty sheriff's deputy that left seven dead, including the gunman.

Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen last week said law enforcers would not answer questions about the case in the city where it took place, and he relayed a request that Crandon residents ignore reporters asking questions. He then left the podium without taking questions.

A week after the shooting, authorities have released little or no information on autopsy findings, certain 911 calls made during a manhunt and crime-scene evidence. The crime is one state's biggest homicide cases, and in addition to being a deputy, the shooter was also a part-time officer on the Crandon police force.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel said in an editorial Thursday that among the questions left unanswered is whether there was a problem with the police response, and whether psychological screening is needed for police recruits.

"The news media must give the survivors room to grieve in private," the editorial said. "But they must also do their job — report on a matter of great importance to the state. Unfortunately, Van Hollen has signaled that he may make the media's job harder."
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[GreatOwl]

I think the media will make it hot for the AG.  There are open record laws that can not be violated.  The news media does go over board a bit with coverage and in this instance Crandon is a very small town.  However, the news media is doing their job and soon there will be more and more people that will break silence.  I think part of the problem was the AG being informed about the law suit and then knowing that not only is the alleged killer being named but the entire department and specifically the officer that the AG introduced at the press conference as a "hero." 

I am sure there will be several changes in the state because of this case. 

[Patti]

Stiles the man that had been on the run for months, accused of sexually assaulting
a three-year old on tape was arrested last night in Nevada

Link:

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/10/16/national/main3371078.shtml#ccmm