Tyler Peterson admitted killing six yonug people in Crandon before dying himself. The Forest County Sheriff's Deputy and part time Crandon officer, was confirmed as the shooter at a press conference Monday.
Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen says Peterson entered an apartment early Sunday morning, and an argument erupted. “Peterson then left the building, retrieved a rifle from his truck, forcibly entered the apartment, and began to open fire,” said Van Hollen. Peterson fired 30 rounds from an AR-15 rifle, of the type used by law enforcement. Six young people were shot dead, JordanneMurry, Lianna Thomas, Katrina McCorkle, Lindsey Stahl, Bradley Schulz, and Aaron Smith. A seventh person survived, and has been interviewed by authorities. Peterson also fired on a responding Crandon police officer, who suffered minor injuries due to flying glass. Peterson fled the area, but did admit what he had done. “Peterson had telephone conversations with law enforcement officials, including Crandon Chief of Police John Dennee, confirming he was the shooter,” said Van Hollen. Late Sunday morning, Peterson was located at a residence in Argonne, and contact was established. “Shots were fired, both by law enforcement, and Mr. Peterson. There have been statements made about the cause of Mr. Peterson's death. At this time, this is the subject on an ongoing investigation,” Van Hollen said.
Three of the victims were high school students, and the others had graduated in recent years. The Crandon school will remain closed until Wednesday. A memorial fund for families has been established at the Laona State Bank.
AUDIO: John Burton reports (1:20 MP3)
