When people look past the scenic dairy farms and Northwoods landscapes of central Wisconsin, they find a darker history of high-profile investigations and chilling cold cases. Marathon County, anchored by the city of Wausau, has recorded its share of shocking events over the decades, stretching from rural farm massacres to complex urban investigations. Examining these files reveals how forensic science, local policing, and community resilience evolved in response to monumental local tragedies.
Understanding this regional crime history requires looking beyond sensational headlines to examine the actual investigative records, court filings, and community impacts. From the brutal 1987 Kunz family murders to historic unsolved disappearances tracked by the Marathon County Crime Stoppers, the county's criminal justice archives tell a complex story of rural isolation, human tragedy, and relentless police work.
The Infamous Kunz Family Murders of 1987
Few events shook central Wisconsin quite like the slaughter of the Kunz family. On July 5, 1987, Kenny Kunz returned to his family's isolated farmhouse near Wausau to find a horrific scene. Four members of his family—76-year-old Clarence Kunz, 81-year-old Irene Kunz, 72-year-old Marie Kunz, and 30-year-old Randy Kunz—had been shot in the head at close range with a .22-caliber rifle.
A fifth family member, 70-year-old Helen Kunz, was missing from the property. For nine months, her whereabouts remained a baffling mystery that triggered community-wide anxiety, spawning "Where's Helen?" buttons and shirts across the region. Her remains were eventually discovered in a swamp near Medford, Wisconsin, having suffered a similar gunshot wound.
Investigation Challenges and Peculiar Evidence
The investigation exposed a bizarre and reclusive family dynamic that complicated police work. Investigators discovered that the farmhouse lacked indoor plumbing and modern heat sources, yet contained roughly $20,000 in hidden cash stashed throughout the rooms. Furthermore, the household maintained an extensive collection of adult films and materials, contributing to sensational media coverage at the time.
Christopher Jacobs III was later linked to the carnage, alleged to have opened fire following an argument over a car sale. The case remains a landmark study in rural crime response, highlighting how isolation, forensic limitations of the late 1980s, and immense local media pressure intersect during high-stakes homicide investigations.
Persistent Cold Cases and Unsolved Mysteries
While high-profile homicides often secure swift trials, Marathon County carries a legacy of unsolved investigations that local law enforcement continues to review. Cold cases from the area highlight the difficulties detectives face when physical evidence is sparse and witness cooperation fades.
- The Murder of Joseph W. Kargol (1973): Found beaten to death near the Wisconsin River outside Mosinee, 32-year-old Kargol was last seen leaving a tavern in neighboring Schofield. Decades later, the case remains an active file for regional tip lines.
- The Death of Brian Douglas Jehn (1988): Discovered in a wooded area south of Mosinee near Highway 51, Jehn had been beaten to death after being last seen at a Wausau establishment.
Law enforcement agencies increasingly rely on modern DNA profiling and public tip programs managed through organizations like the Wisconsin Department of Justice to generate new leads on decades-old files.
Evolution of Policing and Public Safety in Wausau
Handling major crimes in a sprawling county like Marathon requires close cooperation between municipal police departments, the Marathon County Sheriff's Department, and state agencies. Over the past several decades, tactical training, forensic capabilities, and inter-agency communication have transformed how local authorities respond to critical incidents.
- Forensic Advancements: Transitioning from basic physical evidence collection to DNA phenotyping and digital forensics has allowed cold case units to re-evaluate physical evidence gathered in the 1970s and 1980s.
- Community Policing: Modern initiatives focus heavily on transparent public communication, anonymous tip processing, and mental health crisis response teams embedded within local departments.
These structural changes reflect a broader shift across Wisconsin law enforcement toward proactive prevention and specialized investigative units capable of handling complex multi-jurisdictional crimes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the most notorious crime in Marathon County history?
The 1987 Kunz family murders remain widely regarded as the most shocking multi-homicide in Marathon County history due to the scale of the violence, the months-long disappearance of a victim, and the unusual circumstances surrounding the household.
Are there active cold case squads working on older Wausau area files?
Yes. Local law enforcement agencies coordinate with state investigators and federal databases to periodically review unsolved homicides and suspicious disappearances across central Wisconsin.
How can citizens submit tips on historical Marathon County cases?
Residents with information regarding unsolved crimes can contact the Marathon County Sheriff's Department directly or submit anonymous tips through local crime stoppers organizations.
Did Marathon County crime rates experience significant shifts recently?
According to public safety reports and state crime reporting metrics, overall violent crime rates in the region fluctuate year by year, but local agencies maintain specialized response units to address emerging public safety challenges.
