In the quiet town of Wolf River, Wisconsin, a beloved Caucasian woman, Jan Metzig, 71, and her husband David, 72, were found deceased in their home on the morning of March 18, 2023. The couple, who were well-respected members of the community and the third-generation owners of the Union Star Cheese Factory, had been married for nearly 50 years and raised their five sons in a home above the factory.
The tragic discovery was made after a 911 call was placed from the residence and the
caller hung up. When Winnebago County Sheriff's deputies arrived to conduct a welfare check, they found Jan and David in their bedroom, covered with blankets and with bags over their heads. Both had suffered apparent gunshot wounds. The scene was described as having a significant amount of blood. An AR-style rifle with a loaded magazine was found on the kitchen table.
Suspicion quickly fell upon their son, Erik Metzig. Another son informed the authorities that Erik lived with his parents but his car was not at the home. A search of the residence uncovered a journal in Erik's bedroom that contained chilling entries. In the journal, Erik wrote about his desire to "eliminate" his parents and make it appear as though they had gone missing during a walk. The journal also contained a note that read, "ethics a 1000% on my side plead self-defense?".
Erik was located and detained less than three hours later at a YMCA approximately 25 miles away from the family home. He was found in the locker room and told a staff member he was "upset about family." A search of his vehicle revealed what appeared to be blood smears on the driver's side visor and the roof liner. A 9mm handgun was later found in a garbage bag in the garage of the family home.
Erik Metzig was charged with two counts of first-degree intentional homicide. In August 2024, he pleaded no contest to the charges. The plea agreement negated the need for a trial. He was subsequently sentenced to two consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole, ensuring he would spend the remainder of his life in prison for the murder of his parents.
