In the quiet town of Chetek, Wisconsin, the life of 55-year-old Brenda Turner, a female resident, came to a tragic end on October 27, 2017. She was found deceased in her home alongside her 17-year-old daughter, Natalie. The devastating incident that unfolded that evening was the result of a domestic violence episode that culminated in a double murder-suicide.
The perpetrator was identified as 55-year-old John Hengst, Brenda's ex-husband who, despite their divorce the previous year,
continued to reside in the same home with Brenda and Natalie. An argument on the night of the tragedy escalated, leading Hengst to fatally shoot Brenda, who was downstairs. Brenda's death was caused by a single gunshot wound, though an autopsy later revealed she had also suffered from blunt force injuries to her face, neck, and torso, including a fractured rib.
From an upstairs bedroom, Natalie managed to make a desperate call to 911 for help. However, Hengst proceeded upstairs and shot her as well. After taking both his ex-wife's and her daughter's lives, Hengst returned downstairs and took his own life. The Barron County Sheriff's Department responded to Natalie's call and discovered the three deceased individuals inside the residence.
The investigation into the deaths of Brenda and Natalie Turner was ruled a homicide, while John Hengst's death was classified as a suicide. Law enforcement officials confirmed that there were no other suspects involved, and the case was closed as a murder-suicide. The community was left to mourn the senseless loss of a mother and daughter, a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence.
