Two Fires, Two Bodies

"BIRCHWOOD, WI - Authorities found two bodies at separate fire sites over the weekend in what the Sawyer County Sheriff’s Department is calling an apparent murder-suicide.

"Authorities found the first body Saturday evening at a fire scene on Sawyer County Highway F in Edgewater Township. Evidence discovered at the scene led Sheriff’s Department Investigators to believe that foul play was involved in the death of the 43-year-old man.

"After questioning relatives and acquaintances of the man, officers developed a suspect, and numerous agencies worked through the night in an attempt to locate him.

"Around 10 a.m. Sunday officers located a smoldering fire near an abandoned mobile home along Washburn County Highway A near Spooner. The body of a man was located in the ashes, and the suspect’s vehicle was found near the mobile home.

"The body was badly burned, but evidence led police to believe the body is that of the suspect in the Sawyer County homicide. An autopsy will be done to positively identify the body.

"Police are withholding the name of the homicide victim pending notification of relatives. The name of the suspect is being withheld pending positive identification.

"The Wisconsin Department of Criminal Investigation and the State Fire Marshal are assisting at both fire scenes."

Source: Duluth News Tribune...