MAUSTON, Wis. — A man shot and killed retired Juneau County Judge John Roemer on Friday morning at his home in New Lisbon, according to authorities.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice (WisDOJ) is now leading the investigation. They said that law enforcement went to the home around 6:30 a.m. after a report of an armed man and two gunshots.
According to WisDOJ, after negotiations with the suspect, Douglas K. Udhe, 56, failed, officers entered the home and found Roemer, 68, dead.
Officers found Udhe in the basement with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. First responders began life-saving measures on Uhde and brought him to a medical facility.
WisDOJ said they found a firearm at the scene of the incident.
Attorney General Josh Kaul said that the armed suspect was targeting people relating to the judicial system and based on a court case or cases.
"This incident appears to be a targeted act. There is no immediate danger to the public," according to a statement from the DOJ.
According to Juneau County Sheriff's Office scanner traffic: a person "...states his neighbor's son from across the street is banging on his door, saying someone murdered his father."
Court records show that Roemer sentenced Uhde to six years in prison in 2005 for armed burglary and several other firearms charges.
According to a law enforcement source, the suspect had a list of targets that included Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers. Whitmer's office also confirmed that she was on the list and issued a statement:
"Yesterday our office was notified by law enforcement officials that Governor Whitmer's name appeared on the Wisconsin gunman's list,” said Zack Pohl, deputy chief of staff, Governor Whitmer. “While the news reports are deeply troubling, we will not comment further on an ongoing criminal investigation. Governor Whitmer has demonstrated repeatedly that she is tough, and she will not be bullied or intimidated from doing her job and working across the aisle to get things done for the people of Michigan."
Anyone with information about Uhde should contact Wisconsin Department of Justice at (608) 266-1221. DCI is continuing to review evidence and determine the facts of this incident and will turn over investigative reports to the Juneau County District Attorney when the investigation concludes.
