A bright smile and an infectious laugh were the hallmarks of Francesca "Francie" Weber, a 47-year-old Caucasian woman whose life was tragically cut short in a violent act that unfolded in the spring of 2009. A graduate of Madison West High School, Francie was a familiar and friendly face to many in the Madison, Wisconsin area, having worked for many years at UW Hospitals in Medical Records-Distribution and later at the UW-Health Family Practice in Belleville.
She was a devoted mother to her two daughters and a cherished sister, known for her love of sunshine, John Mellencamp's music, and the simple pleasure of reading the Sunday newspaper from front to back.
The events that led to her untimely death began to unfold on May 6, 2009, in her Fitchburg apartment. In an act of domestic violence, Francie was fatally shot by her former husband, 49-year-old Steve Weber of Verona. Following the shooting, a massive manhunt for Steve Weber was launched, involving dozens of federal and local law enforcement agents. His pickup truck was discovered near Hoyt Park in Madison, leading to a lockdown of the nearby Madison School & Community Recreation building.
After an extensive search, authorities located Steve Weber in the wooded park. He was found to have died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The tragic conclusion of the manhunt marked the end of a harrowing chapter for the community, but for Francie's loved ones, the pain was just beginning. Francesca "Francie" Marie Weber succumbed to her injuries and passed away on Saturday, May 16, 2009, at UW Hospital, ten days after the shooting. Her death was a profound loss for her family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing her. In her memory, donations were encouraged to a memorial fund for her daughters and to the Domestic Abuse Intervention Services, a poignant tribute to the circumstances that led to her death.
