Police in Superior had no indications of trouble at the home of a young couple who are the victims of an apparent murder suicide. Superior Police Chief Floyd Peters said officers were dispatched to a home in the city on Wednesday after a 911 call from a woman. “The woman stated that she was the mother of the adult female in the residence, and stated that her daughter, daughter’s husband and baby were in the residence, and stated that he killed them,” Peters told a press conference on Thursday.
Dead are 23 year-old Matthew Magdzas, 26 year-old April Oles-Magdzas and the couple’s 13 month old daughter, Lila. “According to family members, April was approximately eight and a-half months pregnant,” said Peters. “Evidence obtained at the crime scene indicated that the perpetrator of this violent act was likely Matthew Magdzas. A handgun was located at the scene that was suspected to have been the murder weapon.” Police also found three dead dogs and a backpack which appeared to contained two pipe bombs, although a bomb disposal unit from the Minnesota Air National Guard determined they were not. Nevertheless, the house was cleared Wednesday night while the bomb squad disposed of the items.
Peters says no motive for the tragedy has been established. He says the Wisconsin Army National Guard has confirmed that Matthewe Magdzas is a member, but had been on non-drilling status for a year. He was deployed to Iraq from 2006 to 2007. Peters wouldn’t speculate as to whether post traumatic stress may have played a role in the tragedy. “We’ll certainly work with the Army National Guard,” said Peters. “Any medical or counseling records that may exist, we’ll need subpoenas on that, but I really can’t comment.” Peters said Matthew Magdzas had no arrest record and police had no prior calls to the couple’s home.
Press conference audio courtesy KUWS/Wisconsin Public Radio (10:40)