***UPDATE: Rusk County Sheriff Releases Additional Details in Double Homicide-Suicide Investigation
RUSK COUNTY, WI — A welfare check at a residence in the Town of Hawkins ended in the discovery of three deceased adults with gunshot wounds, and investigators believe the incident was a double homicide followed by a suicide, according to a press release from the Rusk County Sheriff's Office.
PRESS RELEASE
On Thursday, July 9, 2026 around 5:15PM, Rusk County Sheriff's Deputies were dispatched to a residence at N5766 Poplar Rd in the Township of Hawkins for a check welfare. Upon arrival and entry into the home, deputies located three adults. All three adults had gunshot wounds and all were deceased.
Based on the preliminary investigation and evidence at the scene, we believe this to be a double homicide and a suicide.
Involved parties' names are not being released at this time pending notification of family.
The Rusk County Sheriff's Office was assisted by the Hawkins Fire Department, Hawkins EMS, Ladysmith Police Department and the Rusk County Medical Examiner's Office.
— Per Sheriff Phil Grassman
Last Update: Jul 15, 2026 8:21 am CDT
