Local
Muscoda petition urges state investigators to review officer’s death
A petition seeking a Wisconsin Department of Justice review of Katelyn Fleischauer’s death gathered more than 600 signatures in under 24 hours. Police have said their initial investigation and an autopsy point to accidental drowning; the county investigation remains open.
MUSCODA, Wis. — A petition calling for an outside review of the death of Muscoda police officer Katelyn Fleischauer had collected more than 600 signatures in less than 24 hours, organizers said Oct. 23.
The petition asks the Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Division of Criminal Investigation to examine the case as a second opinion on findings by the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. Organizers say they want more answers, including a toxicology report.
Fleischauer, 41, was found dead in an indoor heated pool at a home. Muscoda police said she was off duty and that an initial investigation and autopsy indicated she died by accidental drowning.
Some people who knew Fleischauer have questioned that conclusion, petition organizers said, noting that she was a certified scuba diver. That detail does not establish how she died, and authorities have not publicly released further investigative findings.
Petition organizer Micah Stoltz said the effort grew from community members’ questions and their desire for an independent review. “Anytime I see an officer, it’s Kate,” Stoltz said, adding that Fleischauer was cared for by many people.
Records requests have been filed with the coroner’s office, Muscoda Police Department, Grant County Sheriff’s Office and DCI. Information remains limited while the county-level investigation is open.