“The Trouble at Dill Creek Farm”: Dateline Reports on Ken Juedes Homicide July 19 2024
On July 19, 2024, “Dateline NBC” will air an episode titled “The Trouble at Dill Creek Farm,” featuring Andrea Canning’s investigation into the perplexing murder of Ken Juedes. This case, marked by its complexity and the 15-year pursuit of justice, revolves around the brutal killing of a local Wisconsin pharmacist.
Contents
The Discovery of Ken Juedes
Ken Juedes, 58, was found dead in his farmhouse in Marathon County, Wisconsin, on August 30, 2006. His wife, Cindy Schulz-Juedes, made the grim discovery, finding Ken shot to death in their bed. The scene was further complicated by the presence of a knife thrust through a pillow beside Ken, with a note that read “bitch.” Detectives Sean McCarthy and Greg Bean faced the daunting task of unraveling the mystery behind this shocking crime. The note’s chilling message raised questions about the motive, suggesting either a personal vendetta or an attempt to mislead the investigation.
The Initial Investigation
The initial investigation into Ken Juedes’ murder focused on a myriad of potential suspects and motives. Ken, a well-respected pharmacist, had no apparent enemies, making the case even more puzzling. Cindy’s behavior, both during and after the discovery, drew significant scrutiny. She claimed to have been sleeping in a camper on their property the night of the murder and found Ken the following morning. Her decision to call 911 from a neighbor’s house rather than immediately seeking help for her husband raised suspicions.
Cindy’s account of events showed inconsistencies, further complicating the investigation. Her claim that she did not hear the gunshots, despite the close proximity, and her actions after discovering Ken’s body, including leaving the scene to a friend’s house, were scrutinized. Investigators noted her lack of effort to check Ken’s condition or seek immediate help as troubling signs.
The Case Goes Cold
Despite the intensive investigation, the case went cold due to the lack of direct evidence linking any suspect to the crime. Ken’s murder remained an open wound in the community, with no new leads emerging for over a decade. Cindy continued to live her life, even attempting to sell Ken’s estate shortly after his death, further raising suspicions about her involvement.
The absence of a murder weapon, combined with the lack of concrete forensic evidence, left investigators at an impasse. The Marathon County Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement agencies remained committed to solving the case, but the trail seemed to have gone cold.
Breakthrough in the Case
In November 2019, a significant development occurred when Cindy Schulz-Juedes was arrested and charged with Ken’s murder. This arrest came not from new evidence but from the determination of Marathon County’s District Attorney, Theresa Wetzsteon, to pursue the case. Detective Blaser, who re-investigated the case, confirmed the absence of direct evidence linking Cindy to the crime but highlighted her suspicious behavior and inconsistencies in her accounts.
Cindy’s motive became a focal point of the prosecution’s case. She stood to inherit a substantial amount of insurance money and valuable land from Ken’s estate. The defense, led by attorney Earl Gray, proposed an alternative theory involving Ken’s business associates from a car race track partnership, suggesting they could have been responsible for the murder. However, the lack of evidence placing these individuals at the crime scene weakened this defense.
Trial and Verdict
In October 2021, Cindy Schulz-Juedes was found guilty of first-degree intentional homicide and obstruction. The trial highlighted the inconsistencies in her accounts, her motive related to financial gain, and her actions following the murder. Despite the lack of a “smoking gun,” the jury was convinced of her guilt based on the circumstantial evidence and her suspicious behavior.
Cindy was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in June 2022. Her conviction brought a sense of closure to the community and Ken’s family, who had waited 15 years for justice. However, Cindy maintained her innocence, asserting that she was wrongfully convicted.
The Aftermath
The case did not end with Cindy’s conviction. In a tragic twist, Cindy Schulz-Juedes died in Taycheedah Correctional Institution in June 2023. Her death, under investigation as a homicide, added another layer of mystery to the already complex case. Fond du Lac Police Chief Aaron Goldstein confirmed that Cindy’s death was being investigated as a homicide, though details remained scarce.
Legacy of the Case
“The Trouble at Dill Creek Farm” episode on “Dateline NBC” aims to provide a comprehensive overview of this intricate case. Through interviews with detectives, insights from those close to the investigation, and a detailed examination of the evidence, Andrea Canning brings to light the challenges faced in pursuing justice for Ken Juedes. This episode serves as a reminder of the persistence and dedication required to solve cold cases and the enduring impact of such tragedies on families and communities.
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