Witness Photos Released In Wauwatosa Man's Fatal Stabbing

WAUWATOSA, WI— The Sauk County Sheriff's Office is asking the public for help identifying the person responsible for a 24-year-old Wauwatosa man's death. In the ongoing investigation into the homicide of John Craig Schmutzer that occurred at Devils Lake State Park on October 14, police are asking the public to assist in identifying individuals in a photo.

"We are looking to speak to these folks as potential witnesses to events that occurred after the incident in question, not as suspects in the homicide. We look forward to hearing from our internet detectives. Sauk County Crime Stoppers - 1-888-847-7285."

The man in the middle and the woman on the right have been identified. Police are still working to identify the man on the left.

On Oct. 14, Schmutzer was found stabbed to death at Devil's Lake State Park, outside of Baraboo. Police believe the crime was random. It's unlikely the suspect knew Schmutzer.

Police are still looking for a man between 5'10 and 6'0, who was wearing a dark-colored head covering and a dark-colored face covering. He left the scene walking west on the grottos trail toward the south shore parking lot at Devils lake and is still at large.

Lt. Chris Zunker of the Sauk County Sheriff's Office said in a, November press conference, they are asking visitors to Devil's Lake State Park are asked to recall events that may have witnessed on Oct. 14 around 11:30 a.m. Also if they recall any unusual encounters at the stat park in the days leading up to John's death.

"While we wish to understand the events leading to John's death, we are also concerned the person who stabbed him may be a danger to himself or others," Zunker said.

Zunker said the person may be exhibiting signs of instability as the result of a stressful life event in the days or weeks prior to Oct. 14. Zunker added it could be a change in relationship, employment, schooling, health, or another life status.

"The impact of the stressful event may have been additionally complicated by underlying mental health challenges, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, or some combination thereof, he said.
Zunker said friends and family may know this person carries a knife with him and may have observed changes in his behavior which they consider "worrisome." He said the person might be having anxiety and stress from John's death which will likely get worse as time passes. The person may have shown increased attention to news surrounding the case.

The person is likely to have become increasingly angry and abusive and show a poor ability to control his emotions and has the potential to act impulsively and disregard possible consequences, Zunker said. Zunker said he may have changed his appearance, car, or left the area entirely without giving an explanation. He may have missed work, family events, or withdrawal from other normal activities.

"It is possible this person may hurt himself in the act of stabbing John. People may have observed blood on his clothing or he sought treatment for his injuries," Zunker said.

Zunker added if he was injured, it is likely he told people he was the victim of a crime or suffered a serious accident.

"We wish to identify this person before he harms himself or anyone else. If you know someone who fits this description and could have been in that area of Devi's Lake, call Sauk County Crime Stoppers," Zunker said.

Callers can remain anonymous and there is a potential for a reward.

About John

According to Schmutzer's obituary, he was a a 2014 graduate of Wauwatosa West High School and continued his studies at UW-Madison where he majored in Finance, Investments and Banking - graduating in May of 2018.

John continued working for Jeffries Financial Group in New York where he was an analyst for the Healthcare Division.

"He loved what he did and he was surrounded by people for which he had great admiration. But, missing his roots, he returned home and began work as a Commercial Banking Analyst and Loan Underwriter for BMO Harris. Besides his love of animals, John had a passion for wine, loved travel, Fall was his favorite time of year and he loved classical music - his favorites: Albinoni and Rameau," his obituary said.

According to his obituary, a Foundation in John's name will be established to focus on animal welfare, care and training.

"Above all, John loved his family. For now, our Quartet will be a Trio until we meet again. John is at Peace and we know that Love leaves more behind than Death can take away," his obituary said.

What happened

On Wednesday around 11:38 am, the Sauk County Communication Center received a report of a disturbance, possibly attempted homicide on the grottos trail on the south side of Devil Lake State Park. Police found Schmutzer dead on the trail.

The Facebook post said investigators have learned that in the days prior to this incident, Schmutzer had visited the Hilldale shopping center in Madison, Wildcat Mountain State Park in Vernon County, the LaValle area in Northwest Sauk County in addition to Devils Lake State Park.

Investigators ask that if you were on the south side of Devils Lake State Park near the south shore parking area, grottos trail, or railroad tracks between roughly 11 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. on Wednesday, and either witnessed this incident or observed something suspicious that you believe is related to this incident, to call Sauk County Crime Stoppers at 1888-TIP-SAUK (847-7285) and provide that information, the post said.

Investigators observed and are aware that people were in the area taking photos of the changing landscape colors, and ask citizens to call Crime Stoppers if they have photos taken in that area during that time that may have inadvertently captured a photo of a suspect matching that description.