Kevin Hollywood Hein, a 59-year-old Caucasian male, was a patron at the Short Branch Saloon in Neenah, Wisconsin, on the night of October 14, 2019. His life was cut short in what police would later describe as a senseless murder that unfolded during an armed robbery at the establishment. Hein was known by his friends as "Hollywood" and was remembered as one of the nicest people.
The incident began when a robber entered the bar, leading to a confrontation that resulted in Hein being fatally shot.
The investigation into the homicide was a relentless pursuit of justice by the Neenah Police Department. Less than a month later, on November 8, 2019, authorities announced the arrest of a suspect, 36-year-old Casey Cameron of Menasha. Investigators were able to link Cameron to the crime scene through DNA evidence found on a bandana that was left behind. This crucial piece of evidence was matched to Cameron's DNA, which was obtained from a cigarette he discarded while under police surveillance. It was also reported that Cameron's wife was a bartender at the Short Branch Saloon, although she was not working on the night of the murder.
Following his arrest, Casey Cameron was charged with multiple felonies, including first-degree intentional homicide, armed robbery, and first-degree reckless endangerment. In the hours after the deadly robbery, Cameron had posted on social media, asking people to keep the victims and their families in their thoughts. As the case proceeded through the legal system, a trial was ordered. Ultimately, Cameron was convicted for his role in the death of Kevin Hein. In April 2021, he was sentenced to 40 years in prison, with an additional 15 years of extended supervision, bringing a close to the tragic case that took the life of a beloved community member.
