Wisconsin – A Wisconsin man has been formally charged with first-degree intentional homicide, with a domestic violence modifier, in connection with the death of his girIfriend. The charges were filed by District Attorney’s Office last week, nearly six months after the woman’s body was discovered. The charges, filed on March 25, 2025, stem from an incident that occurred on September 29, 2024.
The investigation began when the victim, 24-year-old B. Straton, was reported missing on September 30, 2024. According to the authorities in Wisconsin, she was last seen around 7 a.m. on September 29, walking with 25-year-old J. Moris. A community tip led officers to a pond, where her body was recovered several days later. The discovery prompted authorities to consider her death suspicious and initiate a comprehensive investigation.
During the course of the investigation, a friend of the defendat provided critical information to the police. The friend recounted that on the evening of September 30, after consuming several drinks, he made incriminating statements, including that ‘he had to get rid of her, meaning his girIfriend, and mentioned needing ‘more bricks and rope,’ adding that ‘the weeds made it hard.’ The friend also observed that 25-year-old J. Moris appeared wet and had bIoody scratches on his legs.
Authorities apprehended the 25-year-old defendant on October 3, finding him hiding in the basement of a friend’s house. At the time of his arrest, he was in possession of the victim’s credit cards and cellphone. When questioned about his earlier statements, he reportedly laughed before requesting legal counsel.
The local police department referred the homicide charge against the 25-year-old man in January 2025, following a thorough review of case files and autopsy results. Prior to the formal charges, he was held at correctional institution on a probation violation. He was scheduled to appear in the county court for an initial hearing on March 28.
This case underscores the complexities and challenges inherent in domestic violence situations, highlighting the importance of community awareness and timely intervention to prevent such tragedies.