Wisconsin Rapids Horror: Two Men Killed Overnight as Police Capture Suspect After Deadly Attacks
WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WISCONSIN — Police have taken a suspect into custody following a pair of overnight killings that left two men dead in Wisconsin Rapids, prompting a temporary shelter-in-place order for nearby residents early Friday morning.
Authorities confirmed that officers first responded to Aspirus Wisconsin Rapids Hospital around 1 a.m. on October 31, where a 34-year-old man had been dropped off with multiple life-threatening injuries. Despite medical efforts, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Second Victim Found Blocks Away Amid Disturbance Call
While police were still investigating at the hospital, another disturbance call came in from the 500 block of 11th Street South, roughly a mile away. When officers arrived, they discovered a 56-year-old man also suffering from severe injuries. The man was pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said.
The two scenes were quickly secured as detectives from the Wisconsin Rapids Police Department, along with agents from the Wisconsin Division of Criminal Investigation and the Wisconsin Crime Laboratory, began collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses.
Police later confirmed that both deaths appear linked and that a suspect was arrested around noon Friday, ending the brief lockdown in surrounding neighborhoods.
Community Temporarily Ordered to Shelter in Place
During the early stages of the investigation, residents in the area between 8th Street South and 16th Street South, and between Baker Street and East Riverview Expressway, were asked to shelter in place as a safety precaution. That order was lifted by midmorning once police determined there was no ongoing threat.
Wood County Sheriff Shawn Becker said investigators are working to determine how the two crime scenes are connected. “Our agencies are coordinating to make sure every detail is accounted for,” Becker said, emphasizing that the suspect’s capture has restored public safety.
Neighbors React to Tragic Overnight Killings
Local residents described waking up to police activity and road closures. District 5 City Council Representative Jake Cattanach told reporters his children were frightened after hearing about the violence near their home.
“My children woke up this morning… we had to drive through the blockade,” he said, adding that he plans to explain the tragedy to them when the investigation is clearer.
Another nearby resident, Andrew Jensen, said despite the recent killings, he still considers Wisconsin Rapids a safe community. “We have good neighbors — we watch out for each other,” he said. “Once in a while, something bad happens.”
Investigation Ongoing, Police Seek Information
Authorities have not yet released the names of the victims or the suspect, citing the active investigation. Detectives continue to process evidence and are asking anyone with information to contact the Wisconsin Rapids Police Department at 715-423-4444 or the Wood County Sheriff’s Department at 715-421-8700. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through local hotlines.
Police say there is no further danger to the public, but emphasized that community cooperation could help piece together what led to the violent events.
As Wisconsin Rapids recovers from this tragic double homicide, law enforcement officials are working to bring clarity and justice to the victims’ families. For continuing updates on Midwest crime investigations and breaking local news, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.