Wisconsin Man Shot Dead Protecting Pregnant Teen Sister From Boyfriend Who Filmed the Attack and Posted It on Snapchat, Police Say

BARRON, Wisconsin — A 20-year-old Wisconsin man was shot and killed while trying to protect his pregnant teenage sister from her violent boyfriend, who allegedly shot both siblings and filmed the attack for Snapchat, according to police.

The Deadly Confrontation on Candy Lane

The Barron County Sheriff’s Department said the shooting occurred Wednesday evening in the 600 block of Candy Lane in Barron, when Tyler Sadowski and his 17-year-old sister Makayla Sadowski arrived home.

Police said Makayla’s boyfriend opened fire, shooting her in the stomach — even though she was seven months pregnant — before turning the gun on Tyler when he tried to intervene. The shooter then reportedly shot himself, leaving behind a scene that investigators described as “deeply disturbing.”

Authorities confirmed the shooter was a former student at Turtle Lake School District and that a “disturbing Snapchat video” showing the attack had circulated online.

“We are aware of the video and are working with Snapchat to remove it,” the sheriff’s department said in a statement following the incident.

‘Heroic Act of Love’

A GoFundMe page set up by the Sadowski family described Tyler as a hero who gave his life for his sister.

“Tyler stepped in to protect his sister in a heroic act of love. In doing so, he lost his life,” the family wrote. “Makayla, seven months pregnant at the time, was shot in the stomach. She is now in the hospital fighting for her life, while her baby boy also fights for his. At home, she has a 2-year-old toddler who needs her love and care.”

Makayla’s cousin Shanay Conyers told KARE 11 News that the siblings had just returned from town when the attack unfolded.

“Makayla walked inside the house and they heard a pop, so Tyler went to go see what was happening,” Conyers said. “That’s when he was shot.”

Makayla’s mother was reportedly in a car outside with her 2-year-old child at the time of the shooting.

Schools Warn Students About Graphic Video

The Turtle Lake School District issued a letter to parents warning that the alleged shooter, a former student, had shared the graphic Snapchat video, which may have been viewed by current students.

“Please talk to your children tonight about this incident,” the district said. “Our counselor will be available tomorrow to discuss any needs your child may have.”

The Barron Area School District also alerted families that the footage was spreading rapidly across social media platforms and advised parents to monitor their children’s devices.

Investigation and Victim Recovery

Authorities said the shooter survived after a self-inflicted gunshot wound and is currently hospitalized under police guard. He is expected to face multiple charges once released from medical care.

Meanwhile, Makayla has undergone several surgeries, and doctors were able to deliver her baby, who remains in stable condition.

Family members have called for stricter laws to prevent violent offenders from accessing firearms, as the community mourns the loss of a young man described as “protective, loyal, and kind-hearted.”

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