Crime Solvers Central
Crime Solvers Central
295 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.

Forum Posts for Robert Bethea:
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This is my beloved brother. The detectives have been very negligent during this case. Haven’t received a call since the first week. Evidence left a the scene. His house was completely robbed after the murder (a week later). And the only way that could happen is if someone took his keys. It has to be someone he knows. I know him, he doesn’t let Stanford just in his home. He’s a kind person but very aware of his surroundings. I miss him so much, i just wished the detectives cared more. He didn’t deserve this….. if a home has info please i beg you, please help us.

I want to try and point you in the right direction. You can usually get the most traction through two channels: (1) Milwaukee Police “Open Records” and (2) Milwaukee County District Attorney Victim/Witness Services. The goal is to obtain the case/incident number, confirm who has responsibility for updates, and then use victims’ rights language to request communication.

Start with a Wisconsin public records request to Milwaukee Police Open Records. Even when investigators won’t discuss active leads, the Open Records pathway often produces the incident report number, dispatch/CAD information, and any releasable evidence/property logs. Milwaukee Police lists an Open Records intake page and contact details (phone and email) the family can use.

In that request, you should include Robert Louis Beathea III’s full name, the date of the homicide (October 2, 2022), and the location details they know (Cherry Street area). You should ask for “all releasable records” connected to the homicide investigation, specifically the incident report, any releasable supplemental reports, the dispatch/CAD log, and evidence/property records. If anything is denied, they should request the legal basis for withholding and ask for any portions that can be released with redactions. Wisconsin’s public records law (Wis. Stat. § 19.35) is the foundation for this request and requires agencies to respond and justify any denial.

Next, you should contact Milwaukee County District Attorney Victim/Witness Services. Even if no one has been charged, that office is often the best place to confirm whether a case has been referred to prosecutors, whether any court case number exists, and how you can be notified if charges are filed later. Milwaukee County DA publishes Victim/Witness Services contact information and describes their role assisting victims and families through the process.

If you are being ignored or bounced around, you can elevate the “how we’re treated and how updates are handled” part by using Wisconsin victims’ rights language in writing. Wisconsin DOJ summarizes victim and witness rights and can be cited to reinforce requests for respectful treatment and communication from law enforcement and prosecutors.

If Open Records requests stall or come back with vague refusals, the Wisconsin DOJ open government materials are useful for tightening requests and understanding how to challenge delays/denials, including requesting partial release with redactions. I know this sounds like a lot but when a family gets stonewalled it is really hard to navigate the justice system.

This is so sad to hear and also unfortunately all so common in cities like Milwaukie with abysmally low homicide solve rates. Reading the synopsis it looks like there were some pretty massive mistakes made by detectives in the early days of this case. Not sure if you watch these guys YouTube channel but they highlight interesting unsolved cases like this, you might suggest this case to them for one of their videos.
It's so difficult to comprehend that Robert's family is still waiting for answers over a year later. I can't even imagine what it's like for them, trying to navigate their grief while feeling left in the dark by the authorities. What's even more puzzling is the burglary at Robert's house days after his passing. I mean, if the keys were used, surely that suggests someone close to the situation? It's downright frustrating to hear the family's concerns about this aren't being fully explored. They deserve transparency and support in their pursuit of justice for Robert. The police really need to step up and address these loose ends for the sake of the family. My heart goes out to them, especially his sister, who seems to be carrying so much of this emotional burden. Hoping for brighter days and some real movement in the case soon.
I've been following the case of Robert Louis Beathea III, and something really strikes me about the burglary angle. It deeply concerns me that someone could exploit the family's vulnerability shortly after such a tragedy. Breaking into Robert's home using his own keys feels chillingly calculated, almost as if it's more than just a coincidence. Can you imagine the anguish the family must feel, not only losing Robert but also having to deal with the violation of his personal space? It really makes me wonder why this hasn't been a bigger focus for the investigators. The Milwaukee PD’s dismissive approach to the potential link between the murder and the burglary is baffling and incredibly frustrating, especially for the family who is desperately searching for answers. My heart goes out to them as they navigate through this incredibly difficult time while trying to find justice for Robert. Does anyone have more insight into why the police might be overlooking this? It just doesn't sit right with me.
I came across this case recently, and it's been on my mind ever since. What happened to Robert Louis Beathea III is just so tragic. I can’t begin to imagine the pain his family must be feeling, especially after hearing how they found a bullet at the scene themselves. It’s baffling how something that crucial could have been overlooked initially. It makes you wonder about the thoroughness of the investigation from the start, doesn't it?
Also, the fact that his home was burglarized shortly after the murder is deeply unsettling. If someone used Robert's keys, it seems like more than just a coincidence. I truly hope the Milwaukee PD reconsiders this angle, because it sounds like a potential lead. It’s unfortunate that his family feels left in the dark during such a difficult time. I really hope they find the answers and justice they deserve. Thoughts go out to everyone affected by this terrible event.