Authorities have arrested a 79-year-old Wisconsin man they say shot and killed a 76-year-old woman in the fall of 2022, according to reports.
Larry Manthe is being held in the Columbia County Jail on charges of first-degree intentional homicide, use of a dangerous weapon and domestic violence.
On October 6, 2022, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by family members of 76-year-old Alice Langer. They told deputies they had not heard from her for over 15 hours.
Deputies responded to the woman’s Pardeeville home. Langer was found dead inside the home from a gunshot wound to the head.
According to the criminal complaint, the sergeant on scene reported finding Langer in the shower with a handgun on her lap and a gunshot wound to the left side of her head.
Court records show the shooting was originally thought to be self-inflicted.
However, after an autopsy was completed, the medical examiner claimed the gunpowder stippling, or gunpowder burns on her body, weren’t commonly seen in suicides.
The criminal complaint also shows that while the gunshot was to the left side of her head, the victim’s family told investigators she was right handed.
Manthe reportedly told detectives he didn’t think Langer was strong enough to load a gun, but later recanted that statement.
Columbia County sheriff detectives report finding Manthe’s DNA on the gun and ammunition.
On Friday, Manthe was arrested for the crime and charged with first-degree intentional homicide.
The sheriff’s office says Manthe and Langer were in a long-term relationship at the time of Langer’s death.
A press release stated Langer intended to end the relationship and move out of the home.
Court records show she reportedly told Manthe he had until October 10, 2022 to pay her for his half of the home. Langer was found dead four days short of that deadline.
Manthe is expected to make an initial court appearance on Monday.
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