In the late hours of a Monday in Beloit, Wisconsin, the life of 28-year-old Joshua Smiley, a White/Caucasian male, was tragically cut short. On March 21, 2016, an altercation inside a residence on the 900 block of Bluff Street escalated, resulting in Smiley's death. The events that transpired that evening led to a swift police investigation, bringing to light a situation that went far beyond a simple dispute.
Joshua, an employee of Hormel Foods and a devoted Green Bay Packers fan, was
remembered as a man who cherished his family above all else. Known for his infectious smile and playful nature, he had a knack for bringing joy to those around him, especially children, who were drawn to his big-kid-at-heart personality. His sudden death on the following Tuesday, March 22, 2016, at Mercy Hospital in Janesville, sent shockwaves through his community in Clinton, Wisconsin.
In the days that followed the fatal incident, law enforcement officials worked diligently to piece together the events that led to Smiley's death. Their investigation quickly led to the identification of two suspects. The first, 28-year-old William Slawson, was apprehended on the Thursday following the incident. Shortly thereafter, a second suspect, 29-year-old Nicholas Wrage, was also taken into custody. Both men, residents of Beloit, faced serious charges, including Armed Robbery and Armed Burglary, in connection with the events that culminated in the death of Joshua Smiley.
