Wisconsin Man Accused of Beating Victim With Brass Knuckles in Violent Fight Over Shed Key, Criminal Complaint Says
WISCONSIN – A violent confrontation over something as small as a shed key has now escalated into a major felony case, with investigators alleging that a Burnett County man used brass knuckles to carry out a brutal assault that left the victim bleeding heavily on the ground.
Deputies say 47-year-old Nicholas Morseth is now facing multiple felony charges connected to the July 6, 2024 incident — and the case is officially moving toward a plea and sentencing hearing in late 2025.
Deputies Say They Found Victim Bleeding From Multiple Head Wounds
According to details contained in the criminal complaint, deputies responded to a residence on North Bass Lake Road after receiving an emergency call about an assault in progress.
When officers arrived, they found the victim suffering from multiple deep head wounds, bleeding heavily and in urgent need of medical attention. Investigators say the injuries were consistent with repeated blows from a hardened object.
Witnesses told deputies that Morseth allegedly escalated a disagreement over a shed key before attacking the victim with his fists — and then with brass knuckles, causing severe trauma.
After the assault, deputies say Morseth fled the scene before law enforcement arrived.
Felony Charges Filed — Including Abuse of an Individual at Risk
Court documents obtained by DrydenWire reveal that Morseth was later arrested and charged with:
- Aggravated Battery
- Intentionally Subjecting an Individual at Risk to Abuse
- Additional criminal enhancements related to the severity of the attack
Prosecutors argue that the injuries and use of brass knuckles justified the felony charges, especially because the victim was considered an “individual at risk” under Wisconsin law.
Case Now Headed Toward Plea and Sentencing
According to the latest update shared through DrydenWire Insider, Morseth’s case has progressed to the point where a plea and sentencing hearing has officially been scheduled for December 2025.
While the full complaint and evidence filings remain behind a paywall on DrydenWire, the outlet reports that prosecutors are prepared to move forward with a resolution — and Morseth could face significant prison time if convicted on the most serious counts.
Authorities have not yet released updated victim health information but previously confirmed that emergency medical teams were able to stabilize the victim after the attack.
Community Impact and Ongoing Concerns
This case adds to a series of violent interpersonal disputes reported across northern Wisconsin in recent months, many of which began as minor disagreements but escalated into serious assaults involving weapons.
Local residents have voiced concerns about rising aggression in domestic conflicts, and law enforcement officials continue urging community members to report threats early — before disputes turn violent.
What Do You Think?
Should Wisconsin introduce stricter penalties for assaults involving brass knuckles or weapon-like objects?
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