In a surprising turn of events, a 79-year-old man from Wisconsin finds himself at the center of a murder case, nearly a year after his 76-year-old girlfriend was discovered with a fatal gunshot wound to the head.
Initially thought to be a suicide, authorities in Columbia County now claim that Larry Lynn Manthe, a resident of Pardeeville, orchestrated the October 6, 2022, shooting. What's even more shocking is that it appears he clumsily staged the scene to make it look like his longtime partner, Alice Langer, took her own life.
The tragic chain of events unfolded when concerned family members, having not heard from Alice Langer for over 15 hours, requested a welfare check. During the subsequent investigation, detectives found evidence that raised suspicions about the circumstances surrounding her death.
At the time, Alice and Larry were living together in a long-term relationship. What added to the intrigue was the revelation that Alice had intentions of ending the relationship and moving out of their shared home.
Neighbors were taken aback by Alice Langer's sudden death, describing it as completely unexpected. The medical examiner's findings did not align with suicide, particularly due to the stippling evidence.
One critical piece of evidence was the location of the gunshot wound on Alice's body. As a right-handed individual, she was shot on the left side of her head, raising questions about the plausibility of suicide.
A witness, described as a female real estate agent, provided further insight into the strained relationship.
She mentioned that Langer had referred to Manthe as an "unhappy person" and an alcoholic who was difficult to be around. Langer had expressed her desire to start anew and leave Manthe after being with him for 31 years.
When Manthe spoke with investigators, he admitted to feeling devastated when Alice expressed her intention to leave. He acknowledged that she was his source of support and that her newfound happiness after making the decision to move out was apparent.
Moreover, Manthe seemed uncertain about whether Alice had the physical strength to operate the firearm, further raising suspicions.
Additional evidence, including Manthe's DNA on the ammunition and firearm, played a role in the 1 charges brought against him. He now faces a first-degree intentional homicide charge with the use of a dangerous weapon in the context of domestic abuse.
Following the issuance of a warrant for his arrest, Manthe was booked into the Columbia County Jail.
During a court appearance via video, bond discussions ensued, with the judge ultimately setting a $1,000,000 cash bond with standard felony conditions to ensure Manthe's compliance with court orders.
Alice Langer's family remembered her as a retiree who always had a smile for everyone. She enjoyed her ladies' group, card games, concerts, Friday night fish fries, and cherished breakfast or lunch dates. Her family plans to honor her memory with donations to Domestic Abuse Intervention Services.
The next court appearance for Larry Lynn Manthe is scheduled for October 25 at 9 a.m.
In another development in Birmingham, a rather shocking incident unfolded after a high school football game which led police to tase a music director.
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