On a crisp autumn night in Crandon, Wisconsin, a gathering of young friends turned into a scene of unimaginable horror. Aaron Smith, a 20-year-old male, was among those who tragically lost their lives on October 7, 2007, during a violent shooting rampage. The group, comprised of current and former students of Crandon High School, had gathered for a post-homecoming party, enjoying pizza and movies inside a duplex apartment.
The night took a dark turn with the arrival of 20-year-old Tyler James Peterson, an off-duty Forest County sheriff's deputy and part-time Crandon police officer.
An argument erupted between Peterson and his ex-girlfriend, 18-year-old Jordanne Michele Murray, who was also at the party. Following the dispute, Peterson left the apartment, only to return with a rifle. He forced his way back inside and opened fire, systematically shooting the occupants. In the deadly assault, Peterson fired approximately 30 rounds, killing six individuals and critically injuring one. Aaron Smith was fatally wounded during the attack, along with Bradley Schultz, 20; Jordanne Michele Murray, 18; Katrina McCorkle, 17; Lianna Thomas, 17; and Lindsey Stahl, 14. A seventh victim, Charlie Neitzel, was shot multiple times but survived by pretending to be dead.
After the massacre, Peterson fled the scene, leading to a manhunt. He was later cornered by law enforcement at a friend's cabin in the nearby town of Argonne. Following a standoff, Peterson ultimately took his own life. The initial belief was that he had been killed by a police sniper, but it was later determined that he died from multiple self-inflicted gunshot wounds. The motive for the horrific act was believed to be a dispute with his former girlfriend, Jordanne Murray. The incident sent shockwaves through the small community of Crandon, leaving families and friends to grieve the sudden and violent loss of so many young lives.
