A Wisconsin teenager was arrested in Iowa, over 800 miles from his home, where his mother and stepfather were found dead. Authorities reported that the juvenile, a person of interest in the double homicide, was stopped for running a stop sign in WaKeeney, Iowa, on Friday night.
- Wisconsin teenager arrested in Iowa
- Parents found dead in Waukesha home
- Teen charged with stealing stepfather's car
- Victims identified as Donald Mayer and Tatiana Casap
- No prior issues reported at school
- Cellphone records trace teen's route
The 17-year-old Waukesha West High School student was taken into custody without incident. His mother and her husband were discovered fatally shot during a welfare check at their residence on February 24.
The investigation began when local authorities conducted a welfare check on the teenager after he missed two weeks of school. Upon arriving at their Waukesha home, police discovered Donald Mayer and Tatiana Casap deceased from gunshot wounds. The criminal complaint detailed gruesome findings: Casap’s face showed signs of decomposition with blood around her, while Mayer had an apparent gunshot wound covered by clothing.
The teenager is charged with stealing his stepfather’s Volkswagen Atlas and possessing a firearm linked to the crime. Cellphone records indicated he left Waukesha early on February 24 and traveled through several states before being apprehended in Iowa. Notably, surveillance footage captured him driving the vehicle with a family dog shortly after leaving home.
- Victims identified: Donald Mayer (51) and Tatiana Casap (teenager’s mother).
- Teen’s last known attendance: Two weeks prior to welfare check.
- Gun not found at crime scene but located in stolen vehicle.
Judith Mayer, Donald’s mother, shared insights about her son’s relationship with Casap’s son, describing them as having enjoyed outdoor activities together. She expressed disbelief over the events that transpired leading to this tragedy.
This case highlights serious issues surrounding youth behavior and familial relationships amidst tragic circumstances. As investigations continue, more details are expected to emerge regarding both the homicides and the teenager’s actions leading up to his arrest.
