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2 fires at UW-Oshkosh dorm under investigation

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OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) - Authorities are investigating two fires at a UW-Oshkosh dormitory.

Officials say both were set on purpose, and they happened within 48 hours of each other.

The latest fire was reported just after 4:15 p.m. Monday at Fletcher Hall.

The university says it was confined to the basement, and students were let back into their rooms with one-and-a-half hours after the fire started.

The UW-Oshkosh Residence Life department has put up a $500 reward for information about those setting the two fires.

(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)


Committee wants full GB council input on how to spend Lambeau tax money

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - The city of Green Bay's finance committee has recommended that the full council be a part of any discussions regarding what to do with its share of excess Lambeau sales tax money.

That was the decision made Monday by committee members.

After the half-percent Brown County sales tax for Lambeau Field expired, more than $17 million were returned to the county and its municipalities. $5.4 million of that goes to the city of Green Bay.

"What we try to do here tonight is to bring it together, we want it to be an official meeting of the council," Alderman Guy Zima told FOX 11. "So that all council members will assuredly hear it and the public will have the assurance that they will have the ears of all the council."

During the committee meeting, Alderman Chris Wery made the request to, "begin discussions and take public input" on how to use the money. No ideas were presented before the committee voted on the item.

The full Green Bay City Council is scheduled to meet a week from today. Mayor Jim Schmitt has said that a community discussion on the extra cash will take place Thursday.

Zima, Andy Nicholson and Tom Sladek were the only committee members present. Council President and finance committee member Tom DeWane was excused because of an illness.

(Additional reporting from FOX 11)

Mayor: 3 Neenah police officers on leave after hostage incident shooting

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NEENAH, WI (WTAQ) - Neenah's mayor says that three police officers are on paid administrative leave after a fatal shooting during a hostage incident Saturday.

Mayor Dean Kaufert says he was told that as of Sunday morning, three cops involved in the incident at Eagle Nation Cycles were placed on leave.

The move is customary when officers are involved in a shooting, according to Kaufert, who adds that is standard protocol until the investigation is complete.

60-year-old Michael Funk was shot and killed by police after running out of the downtown Neenah business during that standoff. 

On Saturday, Police Chief Kevin Wilkinson said that Funk didn't listen to officers' commands to drop a gun in his hand and was fired upon by one or more officers.

Attorney Cole White, who represents Funk and his family, isn't buying the narrative that police have laid out.

The suspect arrested, 45-year-old Brian Flatoff, has not been formally charged but is being held at the Winnebago County Jail.

Appleton police use K-9 to help nab burglar

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APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - Appleton police say a police dog helped them catch a gas station burglar early Tuesday morning.

Officers were called for an alarm around 2:45 a.m. to the Citgo gas station, 1717 W. College Avenue. When they arrived, officers saw a man near the cash register inside the closed business.

Police surrounded the area, and when the man came outside, he saw the cops and immediately went back inside.

The man was told several times that a police K-9 would be sent in after him if he didn't come out. Eventually, the dog was sent in and the man came out and surrendered.

20-year-old Paul A. Rivera of Appleton was arrested and police are recommending charges of burglary to a building, resisting/obstructing, possession of marijuana and possession of non-narcotic drugs.

Bi-partisan support for a bill backers say will be a life-saver

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GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - With the stroke of a pen, Governor Scott Walker signs a bill in Green Bay Tuesday that could make it easier to save lives.

Assembly Bill 427 allows Wisconsinites to walk into a pharmacy and buy narcan.

Narcan, or nalaxone, is a drug that immediately counteracts the effect of opiates, heroin or pain medication in the event of an overdose.

It’s used by paramedics, police and other first responders.

Narcan, if administered properly and soon enough, can reverse the sometimes fatal results of a drug OD.

State Representative John Nygren is the main sponsor of the bill.  

He says the first step for people to turn their lives around is to be alive.

He says as laws crack down on prescription drug availability and abuse, more people will be turning to drugs like heroin.

Nygren's bill clarifies that pharmacies can hand out Narcan under a doctor's standing order.

He does not see the expanded availability of narcan as an invitation for drug users to keep abusing.

The hope is those saved lives by narcan will be turned around for the better.

The bill passed the State Assembly and State Senate with bipartisan support.

Manitowoc doc has hearing set after having license suspended amid investigation

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MADISON, WI (WTAQ) - A Manitowoc doctor whose license was suspended amid allegations that he overprescribed pain medications has his hearing scheduled before a state board.

A contested case hearing for Dr. Charles Szyman has been set for May 18 in Madison, according to an order filed with Wisconsin's Division of Hearings and Appeals. The hearing is described as an administrative trial.

Szyman had his license suspended by the Wisconsin Medical Examining Board back in October. He was being investigated by local and federal drug authorities.

Szyman was fired by Holy Family Memorial Hospital and no criminal charges have been filed.

Two men charged in Shawano fireworks incident

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SHAWANO, WI (WTAQ) - Two men arrested after Shawano police say they set off fireworks in order to provoke their response have been charged.

19-year-old Brandon Ehlke is facing counts of disorderly conduct and obstructing an officer. 18-year-old Taylor Mason is charged with both those counts, along with a count of bail jumping.

Both Ehlke and Mason are due to make their initial court appearances Tuesday afternoon, according to online court records.

Shawano police say they were called around 12:30 a.m. Monday to Ehlke's home on Leig Avenue after being told someone in the area heard "gunshot blasts". Later, it was determined that the sound was fireworks.

A 13-year-old girl who was inside the home at the time told police, "Brandon and his friend were just trying to make the cops mads and mess with them so they were lighting off fireworks," states a report attached to the criminal complaint.

Wisconsin DOJ: Man was armed when he was shot by Neenah police

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MADISON, WI (WTAQ) - The Wisconsin Department of Justice confirmed Tuesday that a man shot and killed by Neenah police officers was armed.

In a statement issued to the media:

"The Department of Justice is committed to providing an independent, transparent investigation into officer-involved incidents. It is critical to the integrity of all investigations that we take great caution to avoid releasing information piecemeal. We understand the community wants accurate information and we are committed to conducting an investigation that provides that."

No other information by the DOJ was released. 

This comes as Neenah Mayor Dean Kaufert said that he was informed that as of Sunday morning, three officers involved in Saturday's shooting at Eagle Nation Cycles were put on paid administrative leave.

Kaufert says the move is customary when officers are involved in a shooting. He also says that is standard protocol until the investigation ends.

60-year-old Michael Funk ran out of the downtown business Saturday. Police have said that Funk ignored officers' commands to drop his firearm, and was shot at by the officers.

Funk's attorney, Cole White, says he believes officers made a mistake in shooting and killing Funk, as he was a victim and a hostage in the incident.

The suspect in the incident, 45-year-old Brian Flatoff, was arrested following hours of negotiations. Police say Flatoff took several people hostage inside the building. 

Charges are expected to be filed later this week against Flatoff, who's currently in the Winnebago County Jail.


Green Bay Alderman vs Strip Club: Big development project at risk

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Green Bay, WI (WTAQ) - A Lambeau Field area land owners says a Green Bay alderman's accusations has her holding off on a $30 million hotel project.

Alderman Chris Wery claims the DeCaster Family, which owns Oval Office gentleman's club, illegally handed out free alcohol on the 11 acres of land it owns near Lambeau Field.

The DeCaster family had hoped to break ground on its Lambeau area hotel next spring.

"I can tell you it would have been 150 to 250 rooms and it would have been full-service, very upscale, nothing that Green Bay has right now," said Jennifer DeCaster, general counsel for the family's businesses.

DeCaster says the hotel plan is now on hold because of what she calls a witch hunt from Wery.

"Until we can determine what his plans are and why he continues to come after my family and our business, we need to put that on hold," said DeCaster.

Wery requested the city review the Oval Office's liquor and adult entertainment licenses.

His request stemmed from an ad in The Entertainer Newspaper for a Packers tailgate party on the DeCaster land near Lambeau Field.

The ad read 'Free Beer and Bloody Mary's for all our friends...that's you!'

"Their definition of friend is pretty much anybody who shows up and buys a parking spot," said Wery.

DeCaster maintains she did nothing wrong and only placed the ad to remind her friends of the party.

"It has nothing to do with The Entertainer ad," said DeCaster. "It has everything to do with the fact that I'm Oval Office and I have an adult entertainment license and that's a violation of my first amendment rights."

"The DeCasters back when Oval Office was first redone, she threatened lawsuit at every single turn if she didn't get her way," said Wery. "This is nothing new for Mrs. DeCaster."

Wery has made attempts to rezone the DeCaster's property to ensure no adult entertainment establishment can be built in the area.

The DeCasters have said they have no plans to build another adult entertainment facility.

 

Proposed bill could help Titletown District development

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Green Bay, WI - Plans for the Titletown District include a high-end hotel and restaurant by Kohler and a brewery with a restaurant from Hinterland.

But in order for the district to have any other establishments that serve liquor, state law would need to change.

That's because Ashwaubenon has already reached its state-imposed quota for liquor licenses.

"This legislation in a nutshell will provide an opportunity for the Titletown District to meet its full potential," said State Rep. David Steffen (R-Howard).

Lodge Kohler and Hinterland would already qualify for a liquor license because of exemptions for large restaurants, hotels and breweries. But Steffen drafted a bill to address other establishments that could be part of the district.

Link to legislative draft of bill.

Under his bill, if a community has a "Premiere Economic Development" district with more than $20-million in new construction, it could get two additional liquor licenses. Those licenses could only be used within that district.

"Most of these places that are going up, hopefully in the Titletown District as well as others, they're not a shot and a beer type place.

They are more often family establishments," Steffen said.

Ashwaubenon Village President Mike Aubinger says he supports the legislation.

"It will help the future of the project by having a few licenses available for smaller things like an ESPN sports bar or family restaurant," he said.

Steffen's proposal also has the support of the Tavern League of Wisconsin.

"We worked with him. We think it's a thoughtful, straight-forward approach," said tavern league spokesman Scott Stenger.

Under Steffen's plans, it is possible Ashwaubenon could get more than two licenses for the Titletown District.

That's because the bill would also allow communities to sell up to three unused liquor licenses to a neighboring community.

Green Bay Packers spokesman Aaron Popkey says the Steffen proposal is a good starting point for the discussion on how the Titletown District can bring more economic development to the region.

The proposal will be circulated for co-sponsors on Wednesday.

Fire damages Ripon Family Restaurant

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RIPON, WI (WTAQ)- Firefighters are trying to figure out what caused a blaze that heavily damaged the Ripon Family Restaurant early Wednesday morning.

Fire Chief Tim Saul says a passerby called it in and they responded shortly after 1 a.m. to 708 West Fond du Lac Street.

When they arrived flames were seen coming through the roof shooting about 10 feet in the air.

Firefighters were assisted by City of Fond du Lac, Brandon-Fairwater and Markesan Fire Departments.

No one was hurt.

Saul says the fire is related to cooking equipment and is not considered suspicious.

The investigation is ongoing.

 

New Holstein house fire leaves one man dead

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New Holstein, WI - A 47-year-old man was killed in a house fire Tuesday night. 

New Holstein officials say a person who walked by the area called in a report of smoke on Monroe Street just after 9:30 p.m.

A police officer found smoke coming from the house at 1713 Monroe St.

Because of the amount of smoke, a house next door was evacuated as well.

Emergency crews tried getting in the house because it was believed someone was home. The heat, though, prevented them from getting in.

Firefighters contained the fire after several hours. That's when they found the victim.

Fire, police and sheriff's officials, along with the state fire marshal's office, are investigating. 

Neenah standoff suspect Flatoff has bond set at $500k

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NEENAH, WI (WTAQ) - The man accused of causing a weekend hostage standoff in Neenah is being charged with five counts in connection with the incident.

In court Wednesday, bond was set at $500,000 for 45-year-old Brian T. Flatoff.

Flatoff is due back in court Monday and is charged with second-degree recklessly endangering safety, possession of a firearm by a felon and 3 counts of felony bail jumping.

According to the criminal complaint, Flatoff spent Friday night at a friend's house in Neenah. He's listed as having a Stevens Point address. The friend told police Flatoff was up all night drinking, becoming so drunk that at one point he fell over and hit his head when he stood up.

After Flatoff fell asleep around 7 a.m. Saturday, prosecutors say his friend went to bed, but she said she woke up to Flatoff stumbling around the living room. When she told him she wanted to call an ambulance because she felt he had a concussion, she said he appeared to threaten to suffocate her with a pillow.

Flatoff then pointed a pistol at a wall behind her, above her head, and fired a shot.

The complaint states that eventually Flatoff calmed down and put down the gun. The friend then put the gun in its case. She said Flatoff then began to talk about going to Eagle Nation Cycles. Flatoff was in a dispute with employees, believing that one of them had stolen his motorcycle.

Flatoff assured the woman that he would go to the shop only to talk to the people there. When Flatoff left, his friend went to bed. Around 9 a.m., the friend's husband called her to say a SWAT team had been called to Eagle Nation Cycles. The friend then discovered one of her handguns was missing.

According to police, Flatoff took several people hostage at the shop. During the hours-long standoff, officers shot and killed 60-year-old Michael Funk. Police contend that Funk ignored commands to drop a gun. His family's attorney, however, has said Funk was a victim and not a threat to police.

'Cognitively impaired' woman missing from Florence County

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FLORENCE COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - Authorities in Florence County need your help finding a missing woman described as "cognitively impaired".

30-year-old Kimberly Beck left her parents' home around midnight Thursday and authorities say she hasn't been seen or heard from since. Beck's purse was found near a wood pile outside her parents' home. She did not take her vehicle, wallet, jacket, driver's license, cellphone or credit card. There is also no recent activity on her Facebook page.

Beck is described as 5'2", 125 pounds, with blue eyes and brown hair. She was last seen wearing a gray sweatshirt along with sweatpants, although the color of the pants was not known.

Her father told police that several unknown males had contacted her, and that she was calling and texting them.

Authorities say they have information leading them to believe Beck could be in other parts of the state.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Florence County Sheriff's Office at (715) 528-3346.

Medical condition led to Manitowoc crash, police say

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MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ) - Manitowoc police say that a driver who slammed into a utility pole Friday afternoon likely died from a medical condition.

Authorities say the crash happened at the intersection of Viebahn Street and S. 18th Street around 3:45 p.m. 

A 91-year-old man suffered the medical condition, which caused him to lose control of the vehicle. He was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.

 


Internet sex sting nets 5 arrests in Shawano County

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SHAWANO, WI (WTAQ) - In the latest series of undercover Internet sex stings, Shawano County authorities say five men have been arrested.

The sheriff's department says these operations focused on individuals who both advertise and respond to ads online to connect with young teens and arrange sexual encounters.

The agency was helped by the Shawano Police Department in the operation.

On December 4, authorities say they arrested a 36-year-old Neenah man, a 36-year-old Green Bay man and a 17-year-old Kenosha man. The Kenosha man was later released.

Officials say the next day, a 26-year-old Neenah man was taken into custody.

Then on Wednesday, police say they arrested a 36-year-old Lena man after he arranged to meet who he believed to be a teenage girl near the city of Shawano.

Deputies say after they attempted to take the man into custody, the man fled the scene in his vehicle, leading authorities on a high-speed chase through Shawano County, into Waupaca County and back to Shawano County.

The chase ended after detectives persuaded the man to pull over via cell phone. The man was arrested.

All cases remain under investigation and have been forwarded to the District Attorney for review.

The Shawano Sheriff's Office released the following statement regarding the investigation:

"Recent arrests have clearly shown that there are specific kinds of individuals that both live locally and some who are willing to travel great distances with the intent of taking advantage of and victimizing young people in our community. We are aware through collaboration with partners in the task Internet Crimes Against Children (I.C.A.C.) that throughout Wisconsin the internet is being used as a tool by opportunistic offenders and by those who traffic in what have been termed Throw-Away Teens. The Shawano County Sheriff's Office and its partner agencies; including the Shawano Police Department, are doing our utmost to interdict predators and send a clear message that if you come to Shawano intent on having illicit contact with our children we will likely be waiting for you when you arrive."

Nevada authorities capture escaped sex offender Lloyd Pitzen

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WAUTOMA, WI (WTAQ) - Authorities say a registered sex offender who cut off his monitoring bracelet and left a Wautoma facility has been caught.

Waushara County Sheriff Jeff Nett confirms that Lloyd Pitzen was arrested. 

According to the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, Pitzen was taken into custody in Mesquite, Nevada.

Pitzen was convicted of violating the sex registry rules on at least 3 occasions, according to online court records.

He was banned from the Neenah Library in 2010 after he was found inappropriately touching himself in the youth section.

(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)

'WE WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED': Eagle Nation Cycles owner gives tour of Neenah standoff scene

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NEENAH, WI (WTAQ) - The owner of Eagle Nation Cycles invited the media into his shop Wednesday to take a look at the scene of Saturday's shooting incident in Neenah. 

Steve Erato led a group that included friends, family and pretty much anyone who wasn't affiliated with law enforcement on a tour of the damage left behind from both the hostage standoff, and the evidence gathering by state investigators.

What was seen by onlookers was numerous bullet holes, a powder-covered work area apparently caused by a fire extinguisher that was struck by gunfire, knocked over photos and other mementos, along with torn up chairs, couches and other parts of Erato's business.

"I'm anxious to leave to be honest with you," Erato told the media after the tour. "It's going to be hard to get back in here, I'm going to hire a company that's going to clean it up, but it's never going to be the same."

The Neenah Police Department issued a statement, which said in part:

"It is our duty to provide the public with timely, accurate information that is not tainted by personal agenda.  However, we also must be careful not to jeopardize the ongoing investigation.  Currently the lead agency, the Wisconsin Department of Justice, is completing critical interviews of those involved in the incident."

Erato says, despite its appearances, Wednesday's media and public invite to the former crime scene isn't intended to disrupt the investigation.

"I think we're just telling the truth. We want people to know what really happened and see what really happened," says Erato. "The last time we dealt with them, they altered the story and I think they're altering this story right now."

Erato is referring to his $50 million federal lawsuit against the city of Neenah, Neenah police and Winnebago County. At issue is a September 2012 drug raid on Eagle Nation Cycles they say violated their civil rights.

"They altered the security tapes, they planted drugs in my office and they erased the security cameras they were wearing," said Erato. "And I wanted to make sure if there was anything that was found, that you guys could see it just the same way we did."

Further on in the media release from Neenah Police Chief Kevin Wilkinson, "It is not uncommon for groups to attempt to manipulate news media to propagate a biased and sometimes false representation of an incident.  Due to misleading statements being made about the Neenah case, the Department of Justice has released limited information to counter those claims."

Wilkinson added that his department advocates a full release of all video, statements and other evidence in this case, "as early as practical". He also said he's proud of, "the character and skills displayed by our officers during and after this challenging incident".

"How many shots could they fire? I mean, I believe the mayor said 30, they couldn't hit this guy at all? And then they turn around and abandoning the hostages," said Erato. "I mean, is that what anyone would want if there was a school shooting?"

Erato was not just critical of the law enforcement response to Saturday's incident, but regrets that he listened to a dispatcher urging him not to get personally involved.

"I'm on record downstairs that I wanted to come up with my bow, I should've come up with my bow and took the guy out, that's what should've happened," Erato said. "Michael and me both made the mistake of counting on the police, and that was a huge mistake."

Erato says he's never dealt with the Wisconsin Department of Justice to know whether or not to trust their handling of the investigation. He does, however, say he has a problem with the Neenah Police Department. 

SURVIVING HOSTAGES TELL THEIR STORY

Ryan Moderson and Mike Petersen, along with M.L. Funk, were held at gunpoint for several hours at Eagle Nation Cycles by alleged gunman Brian Flatoff.

Moderson says it started when Funk answered the buzzer at the back door, where it's common the shop gets deliveries or people picking up their motorcycles.

"A few seconds later, M.L. came through the door backwards, I saw that the shooter had a gun present," says Moderson. "He looked at me, I looked at my son, I told him to leave and he went out the front door."

Mike Petersen says he showed up to chat with Funk, something they normally do. Petersen says he could see that M.L. was not happy.

"I'll stop back later and talk to ya, and the fellow behind him reached in (for his gun) and said you're not going anywhere," said Petersen. "And I said I guess you're right...it was pretty scary."

Moderson says it appeared that Flatoff was not sober, coming in making demands that were not very intelligible. But Flatoff apparently saw his bike on the lift, and wanted Moderson to take it down.

"He made me take it off the lift and begin to put it back together at gunpoint so he could load it in his truck supposedly," says Moderson. "I did as I was told, but I ran out of stuff, you can't put it together in 20 minutes."

Police initially stormed inside and exchanged gunfire with Flatoff, before retreating. 

"I heard 'police, drop your gun drop your gun.' I got down on the floor, and got behind the counter, immediately the gunfire erupted."

Moderson says after all of that, he was shocked to still hear Flatoff's voice and that they were still being held hostage. 

"At that time, I was assuming the SWAT team would come around the corner and secure me," says Moderson. "I then heard the shooter still talking, and I couldn't believe it, I was like 'where are the cops?'"

Eventually, Funk made it to the back door and fled after repeated calls by Flatoff to shut the door. But that's when the 60-year-old Funk came across police, who say they ordered him to drop the gun he was holding. Police say when Funk ignored those commands, they opened fire.

His daughter, Athea Callahan, was emotional during the tour of the shop.

"I can't bring him back, that's what I want," said Callahan.

Flatoff eventually walked the hostages by gunpoint to the door. 

"And then I went outside, and I saw M.L. laying in the alley," Moderson said as he got choked up.

Ex-Kiel H.S. wrestling coach accused of sexting female student

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KIEL, WI (WTAQ) - Kiel police have arrested a former part-time wrestling coach at Kiel High School for allegedly sexting a female student.

30-year-old Eric M. Billmann was arrested Wednesday night after an associate principal at the school was alerted by a male student about his concerns over text messages Billmann was sending to girls.

According to police, Billmann was interviewed and was cooperative. They're seeking charges of exposing his genitals and exposing a juvenile to harmful material. He has not been formally charged in the case.

At this point, police say they are aware of one victim who began communicating with Billmann over the summer. Kiel Police Chief Dave Funkhouser didn't say how many text messages were exchanged between the two.

School district administrator Louise Blankenheim tells FOX 11 that there is no evidence any physical contact between Billmann and the alleged victim took place either on or off school grounds.

Blankenheim says a background check was performed on Billmann when he was hired in September 2013, as part of the district's standard procedure. 

"As district administrator, I can assure you our primary concern is with the safety of our students," she said in a news conference Thursday.

Police urge any other victims to come forward and contact them.

Wrongful death suit filed against accused Appleton nightclub killer

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APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - A wrongful death suit has been filed by the mother of a 25-year-old man who was killed two years ago at a former nightclub in Appleton.

Jacquelyn Pische of Gillett filed her civil suit in Outagamie County Circuit Court, where the alleged killer is scheduled to stand trial on 7 felony charges.

30-year old Chong Lee of Appleton is the defendant in the wrongful death suit. The victim's mother seeks unspecified damages.

Lee is accused of shooting Joshua Richards at the former Luna Lounge.

A two-week trial is scheduled to begin February 24th on charges of homicide, illegal firearm possession, perjury before a judge, and four counts of intimidating witnesses.

(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)

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