Katie Kieffer and Ben Randecker Death, Couple Dead in Apparent Murder-Suicide Cuba City
MADISON, Wis. – The Grant County Sheriff’s Office has identified Katie Kieffer, 35, of Darlington, and Ben Randecker, 40, of rural Cuba City, as the two individuals who died in a tragic shooting incident over the weekend. Authorities are investigating the event as an apparent murder-suicide.
The incident occurred Saturday afternoon when Kieffer arrived at Randecker’s home on Rose Lane in the Township of Smelser to drop off their shared child. According to the sheriff’s office, as Kieffer exited her vehicle, Randecker shot her with a handgun before turning the weapon on himself.
Tragically, the young child was present in the car at the time of the shooting but was unharmed and is now with family members. A 911 call reporting the incident was received by dispatch around 1:30 p.m. Kieffer was pronounced deceased at the scene, while Randecker succumbed to his injuries at a Madison hospital.
Further investigation revealed that Randecker had a recent history of domestic violence, having been arrested on August 14th for charges including domestic battery, disorderly conduct, criminal damage to property, and stalking. The Grant County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate this devastating event.