In the small city of Baraboo, Wisconsin, the night of November 2, 2004, took a grim turn, forever altering the lives of many. John T. Romberg, a 50-year-old male taxi driver, was found in his cab on Fourth Avenue with a fatal gunshot wound to the head. His death, quickly ruled a homicide, sent ripples of shock and fear through the close-knit community where he was a familiar and respected figure. Romberg was simply doing his job, unaware that his final fare would be a deadly one.
The investigation into Romberg's murder unfolded into a dark and complex story that stretched beyond the borders of Baraboo. It was soon discovered that his death was not an isolated incident but rather a violent chapter in a multi-day crime spree orchestrated by two men, Maurice Mason and his nephew, Bennie Firer. The duo had embarked on a path of violence that included the kidnapping and assault of a woman, Jennifer Hitchcock, who was Mason's ex-girlfriend. She was being held against her will as they moved through Wisconsin.
On that fateful November night, Mason, Firer, and the captive Hitchcock found themselves in need of transportation after their vehicle became stuck. They called for a taxi, and John Romberg was the driver who responded. After being driven into Baraboo, Mason shot and killed Romberg in the presence of both his nephew and their victim. The following day, the crime spree culminated in the murder of Jennifer Hitchcock in a remote area.
The ensuing investigation led to the apprehension of Maurice Mason and Bennie Firer. In the pursuit of justice for John Romberg, Maurice Mason was charged with first-degree intentional homicide. He ultimately pleaded no contest and received a life sentence in prison for the murder of the unsuspecting taxi driver. Bennie Firer also faced charges for his role in the crime spree and was sentenced to a lengthy prison term for his involvement in the associated crimes. The tragic and senseless death of John T. Romberg serves as a haunting reminder of a violent intrusion that shattered the peace of a small town.
