Kenosha County Sheriff David Beth says the suspect in a Friday evening crash that killed three members of a Kenosha family is believed to have been drunk, and was seen driving recklessly. “This truck may have been traveling about 100 miles an hour when it struck the jeep. It ran directly into the back end of the jeep, flipped it over into the ditch, causing three fatalities,” Beth said during a Monday press conference,

Killed were brothers, 67-year-old Dr. Michael Rizzo, 76-year-old Dr. Vincent Rizzo, and Vincent’s wife, 74-year-old Mary Rizzo. A third Rizzo brother, 72-year-old Gerald, survived the crash and is stable condition at a hospital.

“They were well-known, influential people in Kenosha, and it is with heavy hearts that all of Kenosha lost these three people,” said Beth.

The suspect, 40-year-old Timothy Vandervere of Beach Park, Illinois, will face multiple charges when he’s released from a hospital. According to the sheriff’s department, Vandervere has a prior OWI charge. Although he has a valid Illinois license, his Wisconsin driver’s license was revoked.

The Columbia County District Attorney’s office was closed Monday – no one seems to know why. The D.A.’s office has been short-handed since at least March. Three employees resigned after Governor Walker appointed Tristan Eagon as District Attorney.

It’s not clear whether the closure is related to Friday’s unanimous decision by the County Board’s Human Resources Committee, that an employee has filed a credible harassment complaint against someone else in the D.A.’s office.

Court proceedings were canceled Monday afternoon because of the closure. Even judges and other court officials were caught by surprise. Calls to the D.A.’s office on Tuesday went directly to voice mail.

WIBA

Wisconsin’s attorney general says a motion for a new trial for convicted killer Steven Avery “must be denied.” Josh Kaul says the usefulness of the evidence testing Avery’s attorney wants is questionable and the claims should have been raised before.

Avery is appealing his 2007 conviction for the murder of freelance photographer Teresa Halbach. Avery’s attorney says some bones returned to Halbach’s family are evidence the bones found in a burn pit on Avery’s property were planted.

Bail is set at $1 million cash for a 35-year-old Appleton man who investigators believe is responsible for the shooting deaths of a Manitowoc father and his daughter. Karl Hess is facing two counts of first-degree intentional homicide in the September 2018 murders of 51-year-old Richard Miller and 19-year-old Jocelyn Miller.

They were found fatally shot in their home in the 3700 block of Dale Street. Police say Hess was acquainted with the two victims, and that theft was the motive for the crimes.

Hess “knew Mr. Miller, was acquainted with him, and premeditated this crime,” said Manitowoc County District Attorney Jacalyn LaBre said Thursday.

“The one million dollar request really points to simply not set bond and keep him in custody,” Court Commissioner Patricia Koppa said. “That’s the reality of these cases.”

Formal charges are expected to be filed in the next few days. Hess remains in the Manitowoc County Jail and his initial appearance is scheduled for Monday afternoon at 1:30.

WOMT

A Fox Valley town is pushing back over a proposed youth prison, but it’s not clear if any changes will be made.

Hortonia residents aren’t happy about being picked as the site for a proposed youth prison.

People packed a town board meeting this week to lobby against the site and to ask the board to prevent the construction. The board also complained to the Department of Corrections that they weren’t briefed or consulted with the placement.

State officials say the selected location is state property, and likely won’t change.

WTAQ

The Manitowoc Police Department is requesting the public’s help for information in connection to the deaths of two people last September. Captain Dave Vorpahl said police have been actively investigating, and have developed several leads.

Police responded the morning of September 9th to 3709 Dale Street for a report of two people who were deceased. The victims were Identified as 51-year-old Richard Miller and his 19-year-old daughter Jocelyn Miller. Both died from gunshot wounds.

Investigators want to identify a male subject that was seen in the area the night of the homicides, along with a vehicle described as an early 2000’s model Toyota Highlander possibly tan or gold in color.

A reward of up to $2000 may be offered for information that helps solve this case. Call Manitowoc Police at 686-6551or if you choose to remain anonymous call Crime Stoppers at 683-4466.

WOMT