In the quiet town of Eldorado, Wisconsin, the life of Julie Morgan Hinkley, a 42-year-old White/Caucasian female, was brought to a tragic end on January 9, 2009. A graduate of Fond du Lac schools, she was known as a dedicated real estate agent and a waitress, deeply cherished by her family and friends for her vibrant personality and infectious laugh. Julie was a mother to two daughters, Karli Joan and Kori Marie Hinkley.
The events that unfolded on that winter morning were grim.
Authorities were alerted to trouble at Julie's residence through a text message she had sent. When sheriff's deputies arrived at the home on Town Hall Road, they were met by a volatile situation. Julie's husband, Kurt Hinkley, emerged from the house and fatally shot her before taking his own life. The incident was quickly determined to be a murder-suicide, leaving the community in shock.
Investigations into the tragedy revealed a history of domestic turmoil. Court records indicated that law enforcement had been called to the Hinkley residence on November 15, 2008, for a domestic disturbance. During that incident, an intoxicated Kurt Hinkley had reportedly grabbed his wife, yelled obscenities at her, and thrown her phone against a wall, leading to a disorderly conduct charge against him. It was reported that in the months leading up to the fatal encounter, Kurt had become increasingly jealous and frequently upset. In the end, the investigation confirmed the murder-suicide, and no other suspects were sought in connection with Julie's death.
