Wisconsin Husband Sentenced After Admitting He Killed Wife Following Hours of Arguing and Dumped Her Body in a Cornfield, Investigators Say
NEW RICHMOND, WISCONSIN — A 71-year-old Wisconsin man will likely spend the rest of his life in prison after admitting he killed his wife during a violent domestic incident, then left her body in a nearby cornfield before expressing surprise that police had not already found her. The case shook the St. Croix County community and resulted in a lengthy sentence handed down Friday.
Officers Responded to Concerning Statements Before Discovering Wife’s Body
Authorities were first alerted on March 2 when a 911 caller reported troubling comments made by Gordon Charles Laakso, suggesting he may have harmed his wife, 68-year-old Mary Laakso.
When officers arrived at the couple’s home on the 1300 block of Bluff Border Road, they found Gordon Laakso present — but Mary was missing. She did not answer her phone, further raising suspicion.
Just over two hours later, officers located her body at the edge of a cornfield in rural Polk County, north of New Richmond. The discovery confirmed officers’ fears that the domestic disturbance call involved a fatal assault.
Suspect Admitted His Wife “Rambled” at Him for Hours Before Violence Escalated
According to the criminal complaint, Laakso told investigators that his wife “rambled” at him for seven hours and began hitting him before the situation escalated. He said things “got out of hand,” but he did not initially offer details about the fatal outcome.
Laakso also admitted that he knew Mary was dead. Instead of calling for help or driving her to the hospital, he said he panicked and drove her body to a rural cornfield, where he left her before returning home to pack a suitcase.
During the search of the residence, officers found bloody gloves and multiple firearms, according to investigative reports.
When detectives asked where Mary was, Laakso allegedly replied:
“Oh, you didn’t find her?”
“She’s dead.”
Laakso Pleads Guilty and Receives 14-Year Prison Sentence
Originally charged with first-degree intentional homicide, domestic abuse by strangulation, and hiding a corpse, Laakso ultimately pleaded guilty to first-degree reckless homicide in September.
On Friday, a St. Croix County judge sentenced him to:
- 14 years in prison
- 6 years of extended supervision
Given his age, prosecutors noted that Laakso will be a very old man, if still alive, by the time he is eligible for release.
Local law enforcement emphasized the strength of the investigation and the importance of achieving justice for Mary.
In a public statement, officials said:
“While we never wish for events of this nature to occur in our community, thanks to outstanding investigative work, the individual responsible for Mary’s death was brought to justice. Our thoughts go out to her family and friends.”
Community Mourns as Case Highlights Dangers of Domestic Violence
The killing has deeply affected the New Richmond area, a small western Wisconsin community located near the Minnesota border.
Advocates say the case underscores the ongoing need for awareness, early intervention, and support for families experiencing domestic conflict.
Authorities encourage anyone aware of potentially dangerous domestic situations to seek help before violence escalates.
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