****Update 10/28/24****
The Victim is being identified as Daniel Welsch, Age 65 of Prairie du Chien.
The Suspect is being identified as Jessie J. Slaughter, Age 39
Charges referred to Crawford County District Attorney include: 1st Degree Reckless Homicide & Bail jumping. At the time of this incident Mr. Slaughter was out on active bond through Onieda County, Wisconsin for Disorderly Conduct and Criminal Damage to Property.
No further details will be released at this time (10/28/2024 @ 1:15pm). The investigation continues including an autopsy that is schedule for this afternoon in Madison, WI.
****PREVIOUS RELEASE****
On October 25, 2024 at 10:18pm the Prairie du Chien Police Department was dispatched to the 1000 block of East Wisconsin Street in Prairie du Chien for a Welfare Check.
Upon arrival on scene officers located a deceased male inside of a residence. Upon further investigation wounds were found on the deceased male consistent with trauma caused by a sharp object. Officers obtained a search warrant for the residence and requested the assistance of the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation Mobile Crime Lab and Forensic Unit.
Based on evidence gathered and statements received from witnesses, an additional search warrant was requested and granted for a residence in Grant County, Wisconsin. At approximately 12:30pm on October 26, 2024, staff from the Prairie du Chien Police Department executed that search warrant with the assistance of the Southwest Wisconsin Emergency Response Team.
As a result of that search warrant a 39 year old male was arrested and transported to the Crawford County Jail.
All indications are this act of violence was not random. Both the suspect and the victim knew each other. There is no continued threat to the public as it relates to this incident. One suspect was identified, and that suspect has been arrested. Violence in all forms must never become normal in our society. These violent acts must be met with all resources and accountability available to the criminal justice system.
Our department would like to extend our sympathy to the victim’s family. We continue to work tirelessly to bring closure for them and to our community.
This investigation is ongoing and fluid. Additional details, including names, will be released on Monday October 28, 2024.