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Dane County Sheriff's Office

CROSS PLAINS HOMICIDE UPDATE

November 03, 2008
Contact: Lt. Steve Gilmore Phone: (608) 284-6873 FAX: (608) 284-6858
Sheriff's Office

Madison, WI: The information in this update comes via the authority of Sheriff Dave Mahoney of the Dane County Sheriff's Office, Chief Tom Janssen of the Cross Plains Police Department, and Coroner John Stanley of the Dane County Coroner's Office. An autopsy was conducted on Saturday, November 1st, and it was determined that the murder victim, Craig Severson, died from multiple gun wounds. This is consistent with evidence of the crime recovered at the scene. Also, on Saturday, November 1st, an arrest warrant was issued for Charles E. "Chuck" Witzel, Jr., charging him with the crimes of First Degree Intentional Homicide While Armed and Attempted First Degree Intentional Homicide While Armed. This warrant has been entered in the nationwide National Crime Information Center database. The second victim of this crime, Lisa Morgan, remains in critical condition at a local hospital. Witzel is described as a white male, 42 years of age, six feet tall, weighing 165 pounds, with long brown hair. He has a tattoo of a wolf on his left bicep and a tattoo of a cat on his right forearm. He may be associated with a vehicle described as a gray or silver 1992 Toyota pickup truck, bearing Wisconsin registration EV4861. The registered owner of this vehicle is not a person of interest in this case. Witzel has ties to both Sauk County and Iowa County and authorities in both locations have assisted in this investigation. Witzel should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with knowledge concerning his whereabouts should call 9-1-1 immediately. Anyone with other information related to this investigation is asked to call the Dane County Sheriff's Office at 608-255-2345.
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