In the heart of Wisconsin Rapids, a story of love and community was tragically cut short on March 24, 2018. Christopher M. Race, a 39-year-old White/Caucasian male, was a beloved figure in his community, known for his kindness and the warm atmosphere of the Higher Grounds Bakery and Coffee House, which he owned and operated with his wife, Jacalyn. Friends and patrons remembered him as an interesting, funny, and caring person who took pride in his family and his work.
A former high school teacher, he was known for his innovative approaches and his ability to connect with students.
The ordinary calm of a Saturday at the bakery was shattered when Christopher Race was shot and killed while working behind the counter. The brazen act of violence was even more horrific as two of his young children were present at the time of the incident. The community was left in shock and mourning for a man who was deeply devoted to his wife and five sons.
In the immediate aftermath, law enforcement responded to an open 911 call from the bakery. Outside the business, they arrested 59-year-old Gary Bohman. The subsequent investigation revealed a painful connection between the victim and the suspect: Bohman was the ex-husband of Christopher Race's wife, Jacalyn. Surveillance footage from the bakery reportedly captured the moment Bohman shot Race.
Gary Bohman was charged with the murder of Christopher Race and held on a $1 million bond. While the court documents did not officially disclose a motive, the established relationship between the parties involved painted a somber picture of the events that led to the untimely death of a husband, father, and cherished member of the Wisconsin Rapids community. The loss was deeply felt, prompting friends and family to organize memorial events and fundraisers to support his wife and children.
