In the quiet community of Necedah, Wisconsin, the life of Floyd "Sonny" Burdick, a 57-year-old White/Caucasian male, came to a tragic and violent end on January 18, 2024. Known for his warm personality and love for the outdoors, particularly riding his motorcycle, Burdick's unexpected death sent ripples of concern through the close-knit town. The circumstances of his passing were grim, as he had been shot and his body later burned.
The events that led to his death began to unfold on the
evening of January 17th. Burdick had expressed concern for the safety of a woman named Crystal C. Teumer, believing she was in danger from her ex-boyfriend, Donald J. Dahlberg. Acting on this fear, Burdick drove his own vehicle to pick up both Teumer and Dahlberg. As the three of them drove through Juneau County, Dahlberg requested that Burdick pull over so he could give Teumer a hug. After the embrace, Dahlberg returned to the front seat. Shortly after Burdick started driving again, Teumer, who was in the back seat, witnessed a bright flash and heard a loud bang. Burdick exclaimed in confusion before two more flashes and bangs followed; he had been shot three times in the head.
Following the shooting, Teumer grabbed the steering wheel to keep the vehicle from crashing. Dahlberg then took control of the car, pushing Burdick’s body from the driver's seat. Their journey continued until they got stuck in a snow-filled driveway. It was there that Dahlberg removed Burdick’s body from the car and concealed it in the snow. The pair then left the scene. Later, they returned with another vehicle. Dahlberg drove Burdick's car, with Burdick's body now back inside, while Teumer followed in the second vehicle. During this drive, Dahlberg disposed of Burdick's cellphone and the gun used in the murder. Near Necedah, Dahlberg pulled over to the side of the road and set Burdick's vehicle on fire, with his body inside.
The investigation into the homicide led to the arrests of Donald Dahlberg and Crystal Teumer. Dahlberg, then 47, faced 15 counts, including homicide and arson. A jury found him guilty on all counts, and he was subsequently sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Crystal Teumer, 28 at the time, was sentenced to one and a half years for her role in harboring a felon. The tragic end to Sonny Burdick's life, born from a desire to help a friend, left his family, including a beloved daughter, and the community to mourn the loss of a man remembered for his hearty laugh and passion for life.
