VIDEO STATEMENT FROM CHIEF CHAD BRECKLIN
Click this link for a video statement from Chief Chad Brecklin
SUMMARY
Early this morning, the Dane County Sheriff’s Office Tactical Response Team, along with personnel from Verona and Middleton Police Departments assisted members of the Fitchburg Police Department in the execution of a search warrant in the City of Verona.
The search warrant was executed as a result of a months long investigation into the homicide that occurred in Fitchburg on August 25, 2019. That evening, officers from the Fitchburg Police Department responded to a residence in the 2700 block of Lyman Lane after family members arrived home to find 17-year-old Shay Watson deceased. Investigators determined Shay had died as a result of a gun shot.
During the execution of this morning’s warrant, a fifteen-year-old male was taken into custody as the primary suspect in this case. The male was transported to the Dane County Jail and booked on charges related to this incident, including 1st Degree Intentional Homicide and Armed Robbery. Due to his age, the identity of this male is not being made public by our department at this time.
In addition to the arrest related to the homicide, narcotics, cash, and a firearm were located in the residence. A 40 year-old male inside the residence was taken into custody for a violation of his extended supervision and booked into the Dane County Jail. This male is not believed to have been involved with the homicide.
As this remains an open and active investigation, we are not in a position to share additional information beyond the linked video statement or answer questions at this time. Additionally, it is possible others could be charged in connection to this homicide. As this investigation continues to evolve, we may have the opportunity to share more information with the community later.
While an arrest has been made in this case, the investigation remains very active. We believe there are other individuals in the community who may have valuable information related to various aspects of the investigation.
We would appreciate any additional information those in the community may have to share regarding this homicide. While we understand there may often be a reluctance to provide information or cooperate with police, we ask those with relevant information to come forward and help bring justice in this case. We maintain a variety of options, including Madison Area Crime Stoppers, for individuals to share information or tips with investigators.
The Fitchburg Police Department has been assisted by the Dane County Sheriff’s Office, the Madison, Middleton, Verona, Madison, Sun Prairie Police Departments, the Dane County Narcotics and Gang Task Force and the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation throughout the course of this investigation.
If you have information regarding this homicide that you have yet to share with investigators:
•Contact the Fitchburg Police Department - (608)270-4300
• Fitchburg Police Department Anonymous Tipster Line: (608)270-4321 •Text your tip plus “Fitchburg” to 847411 or visit www.fitchburgwi.gov/police
•Call Madison Area Crime Stoppers (608) 266-6014 or visit P3tips.com
Alternate Link for Video Statement