In the quiet village of Darien, Wisconsin, the life of William Swift, a 48-year-old Caucasian male, was brought to a tragic and violent end on December 2, 2018. Known affectionately as "Billy," he was a well-regarded professional roofer and co-owner of a roofing business with his brother. Those who knew him remembered a generous man with an infectious smile, a kind heart, and a love for the outdoors, whether it was boating in the summer or snowmobiling in the winter.
On that fateful
Sunday, what unfolded was a triple shooting that the police would later investigate as a murder-suicide. At a residence on Walworth Street near Madison Street, authorities were called to a grim scene. Inside the house, William Swift was found deceased. Outside, another man, identified as 34-year-old Steven Kohs of the Village of Walworth, was also found dead from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
A third person, a 39-year-old woman named Rebecca Kohs, was also discovered at the scene, injured but alive. She was transported to a hospital and was expected to make a full recovery. Based on evidence gathered at the scene, as well as statements from neighbors and the surviving witness, investigators pieced together the sequence of events.
The investigation concluded that Steven Kohs was the perpetrator, having shot William Swift and Rebecca Kohs before taking his own life. With this determination, the case was considered closed by the authorities, who assured the public that there was no further danger. The tragic event left the community in shock and mourning the loss of William Swift. No further arrests were made, as the sole suspect had died at the scene.
