Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office Solves Cold Case from 1963

The Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office recently made a breakthrough in a cold case from 1963, shedding light on a tragic incident that had long remained unsolved. The case involved the murder of Wayne Pratt, who was found dead with 53 stab wounds at the former Enco Station in Winnebago County. Despite the initial investigation, the case went cold for several years until it was reopened in 2011.

After evaluating potential DNA evidence from the blanket used to cover Pratt’s body, authorities hit a roadblock when the DNA mixtures found couldn’t be entered into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) for suspect identification. However, more than 60 years later, a suspect was finally identified as William A. Doxtator of Bowler, who had passed away in 2022.

The Sheriff’s Office had received tips on Doxtator in 1968 and 2009, but it wasn’t until 2017 that new information emerged during the re-opened investigation. Subsequent DNA testing in 2023 and 2024, along with living witness statements, provided enough evidence for a First-degree Intentional Homicide charge to be referred to the Winnebago County District Attorney’s Office.

District Attorney Eric Sparr stated that there would have been sufficient evidence to pursue a homicide charge against Doxtator if he were still alive today. He commended the Sheriff’s Office for their dedication to securing closure for the families impacted by this tragic event.

The Sheriff’s Office expressed gratitude to the Wisconsin State Crime Lab, Sorenson Forensics, and Cybergenetics for their work on the DNA evidence, as well as the late Andy Thompson for his invaluable contributions to the case. This development serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and collaboration in solving cold cases and bringing justice to victims and their families.

Investigators said Bowler man was suspect newly-solved cold case murder in Winnebago County

Investigators in Winnebago County were shocked when a Bowler man was identified as the suspect in a newly-solved cold case murder. The case had remained unsolved for years, but thanks to advancements in forensic technology, authorities were finally able to make an arrest. The suspect, whose identity has not been released to the public, is now facing charges for the murder that took place decades ago. This development has brought closure to the victim’s family and justice for the community. But how did investigators crack the case after so many years? What led them to the Bowler man? Let’s take a closer look at the details of this intriguing investigation.

How did the cold case murder in Winnebago County come to light after all these years?
The cold case murder in Winnebago County had long been a mystery to investigators. The victim, whose identity is also being kept confidential, was found dead in a remote area of the county. Despite extensive efforts to solve the case at the time, no suspect was ever identified, and the trail eventually went cold. However, with the advent of new DNA technology, investigators were able to reexamine evidence from the crime scene and make a breakthrough in the case. DNA evidence found at the scene was retested using modern techniques, which led authorities to the Bowler man who is now facing charges in connection with the murder.

What role did forensic technology play in solving the cold case murder?
Forensic technology played a crucial role in solving the cold case murder in Winnebago County. Advances in DNA analysis have revolutionized the field of forensic science, allowing investigators to extract valuable information from even the smallest traces of evidence. In this case, DNA evidence found at the crime scene was retested using state-of-the-art technology, which provided investigators with a genetic profile of the suspect. This profile was then compared to databases of known offenders, leading authorities to the Bowler man who is now in custody. Without these advancements in forensic technology, it is unlikely that this cold case would have ever been solved.

What challenges did investigators face in solving a decades-old cold case?
Solving a decades-old cold case presents a unique set of challenges for investigators. In addition to the passage of time, evidence may have been lost or degraded, witnesses may have passed away or forgotten crucial details, and leads may have gone cold. However, with determination and the right resources, cold cases can still be cracked. In this case, investigators were able to overcome these challenges by leveraging new forensic technology and reexamining evidence with fresh eyes. Their persistence ultimately paid off, leading to a breakthrough in the case and the identification of the suspect.

How has the community reacted to the news of the arrest in the cold case murder?
The news of the arrest in the cold case murder has sent shockwaves through the community in Winnebago County. Residents were stunned to learn that a suspect had been identified after so many years, and many are relieved that justice may finally be served for the victim and their family. The arrest has also reignited interest in the case, with many people coming forward to share any information they may have about the suspect or the crime. While the community is still processing this new development, there is a sense of closure and resolution that comes with finally solving a long-standing mystery.

In conclusion, the arrest of the Bowler man in connection with the cold case murder in Winnebago County is a testament to the power of forensic technology and the dedication of law enforcement. By leveraging new advancements in DNA analysis, investigators were able to crack a case that had remained unsolved for decades. The arrest has brought closure to the victim’s family and justice for the community, while also highlighting the importance of never giving up on cold cases. As the case continues to unfold, the community will be watching closely to see how the legal proceedings progress and what additional details may come to light.

For more information on this case, please visit [source1] and [source2].