Andrew Brice Dammen, a 24-year-old resident of Necedah, Wisconsin, tragically passed away on February 12, 2015. Dammen, who was born on January 31, 1991, was known for his love of the outdoors, particularly hunting and fishing. He was a member of the Necedah High School graduating class of 2010 and was remembered fondly by his family and friends.
The circumstances surrounding Dammen's death were both tragic and complex.
On the night of February 12, 2015, authorities responded to a call at an apartment in Necedah, where they found Dammen deceased. His girlfriend, Natalie N. Murphy, was present at the scene and admitted to shooting him. According to Murphy, Dammen had asked her to shoot him.
Murphy was subsequently charged with reckless homicide and recklessly endangering safety. During the trial, it was revealed that Murphy claimed Dammen had instructed her to shoot him, a statement she repeated to law enforcement officers at the scene. Despite her claims, a jury found Murphy guilty of the charges in September 2016. She was sentenced to 20 years in prison, followed by six years and six months of extended supervision.
The case drew significant attention due to the nature of the crime and the relationship between Dammen and Murphy. The court proceedings included testimonies that painted a picture of a troubled relationship, ultimately leading to the tragic event. Murphy's defense argued that she acted under Dammen's direction, but the jury concluded that her actions were reckless and endangered the safety of others.
This case highlights the complexities and challenges faced in legal proceedings involving intimate partner violence and mental health issues. The tragic loss of Andrew Brice Dammen left a lasting impact on his community, friends, and family, who continue to remember him for the joy and companionship he brought into their lives.
