Wisconsin Man Accused of Killing Father During Argument, Then Smirking at Police Station While Showing No Reaction to His Death, Investigators Say
WOODVILLE, WISCONSIN — A 22-year-old Wisconsin man is facing a first-degree intentional homicide charge after authorities say he shot his father multiple times during an argument inside their home, then appeared to show no emotion when learning his father had died. The suspect, Ethan James Graverson, allegedly called 911 shortly after the shooting, telling dispatchers that his father was “going crazy” and that he “had to shoot him.”
Deputies Arrive to Find Father Dead in Closet with Multiple Gunshot Wounds
Deputies with the Calumet County Sheriff’s Office responded to the family’s home around 12:45 p.m. on Friday. Graverson reportedly walked outside with the firearm as ordered by deputies and immediately admitted to shooting his father.
When deputies asked how many times he fired, he allegedly responded:
“I don’t know, five, six maybe?”
Inside the home, officers found the victim — a 44-year-old man whose name has not yet been released — seated upright in a closet with gunshot wounds to the chest and groin. Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene. Investigators recovered five 9mm shell casings on the kitchen floor.
Mother Arrives Unaware of Shooting Before Realizing Her Son May Be Responsible
The victim’s wife and the suspect’s mother arrived home from a grocery trip to find police cars surrounding the house. According to investigators, she appeared confused and shocked as deputies informed her of the situation.
When asked if there was ongoing conflict between her husband and son, she responded:
“Oh my God… did Ethan do something?”
She reportedly told deputies that her son had been emotionally struggling after moving back home nearly a year earlier following a breakup. Although she noted he “hadn’t been quite the same” since then, she said nothing seemed unusual the morning of the shooting.
Investigators Say Suspect Smirked and Chuckled Before Interview, Then Showed No Emotion
Graverson was transported to the sheriff’s office for questioning. Deputies noted that while waiting for the interview to begin, he “made a smirk and a small chuckle.” Aside from that, investigators wrote:
“Ethan did not make any other type of emotion.”
During the interview, Graverson described the events leading up to the shooting, saying he returned home from work and found his father drinking. He claimed their conversation escalated quickly.
According to investigators, Graverson said:
“He told me he loves me and to calm down. By the end of it, he was threatening to fight me.”
When asked what they were arguing about, Graverson reportedly replied:
“Just life in general.”
He told deputies he went to the garage, retrieved a gun, and returned inside.
“It wasn’t the first time I’ve grabbed the gun; it was the first time I used the gun.”
Suspect Claims He Believed His Father Was a “Monster” and Admitted Long-Term Thoughts of Killing Him
Authorities say Graverson alleged that he suddenly came to the conclusion that his father was a “monster” and claimed he acted out of fear. Investigators questioned how the situation escalated so quickly in a matter of minutes. Graverson reportedly replied:
“There’s been a lot of buildup and I didn’t think it needed a whole lot of time.”
According to investigators, the victim attempted to de-escalate by asking his son to put the gun down and “give him a hug.” When that failed, the father reportedly suggested they settle the conflict “man to man.”
Graverson then fired what he estimated to be “six to seven” shots, aiming at center mass. Afterward, detectives informed him that his father had died.
His response:
“I don’t know how to react to that.”
Graverson also admitted he had been thinking about killing his father since he was “10 or 11 years old,” yet acknowledged that his father told him he loved him throughout his life.
Suspect Held on $1 Million Bond as Investigation Continues
Graverson was booked into the Calumet County Jail, where he remains held on a $1 million bond. Authorities are continuing to investigate the motive, the family dynamics leading up to the shooting, and the suspect’s mental state.
The victim’s identity is being withheld pending notification of additional family members.
As Wisconsin authorities continue their investigation into this deeply troubling case, more details are expected in the coming weeks. For updates on court proceedings, major criminal cases, and breaking safety news across the Midwest, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.