Chase Alan Fleischauer, a 19-year-old from New Richmond, Wisconsin, tragically died on April 14, 2018, from a gunshot wound to the head. The incident occurred at the home of his father, Kayle Alan Fleischauer. Initially, there was some confusion about the circumstances of Chase's death, with his father claiming that Chase had shot himself after a night of drinking.
However, the investigation and subsequent trials revealed a different story.
Kayle Alan Fleischauer was charged with the murder of his son. The prosecution presented extensive evidence that Chase had been subjected to a severe beating before being shot. The evidence included DNA, firearms, and fingerprints analyzed by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Forensic Sciences. The investigation was conducted by the St. Croix County Sheriff's Office, New Richmond Police Department, Ramsey County Medical Examiner, and Wisconsin State Patrol, with assistance from New Richmond Emergency Medical Services.
The case went through two trials. In the first trial, Kayle Fleischauer was found guilty of second-degree reckless homicide while armed. However, this conviction was overturned due to juror misconduct, leading to a mistrial. The second trial also resulted in a guilty verdict for second-degree reckless homicide while armed. During the trials, it was revealed that Kayle had obstructed the police investigation and displayed defiant behavior towards the officers at the scene.
On June 5, 2020, Kayle Fleischauer was sentenced to 22 years in prison for the murder of his son, followed by 15 years of extended supervision, totaling 37 years of imprisonment. He was also convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, which added to his sentence. The sentencing was a culmination of efforts by the investigators, prosecutors, and the state crime labs, whose work was critical to securing the conviction.
The tragic death of Chase Fleischauer and the subsequent legal proceedings highlight the complexities and challenges in criminal investigations and the pursuit of justice. The case had a profound impact on Chase's family and the community, who continue to remember him and seek closure from this heartbreaking event.
