This story mentions suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call or text 988. For more resources, click here.
MIDDLETON, Wis. — Sunday night, Middleton police officers were in the 6300 block of Maywood Avenue in Middleton, Wis. The officers were responding to a property complaint when Captain Tyler Leother said a man approached officers in the parking lot.
“A man exited a unit at 6303 Maywood Avenue and came towards them saying he had been shot and he did have multiple gunshot wounds,” said Leother.
Working with paramedics, the officers were able to get the man to a nearby hospital. Leother said eventually his team was able to enter the apartment unit where that man said he had been shot.
“We found three deceased individuals,” said Leother.
Shortly after 7:40 p.m. on Feb. 18, a 34-year-old female shot members of her family with a handgun, according to a press release sent out by the Middleton Police Department on Feb. 21.
A 31-year-old male was shot multiple times.
The woman shot and killed an 8-year-old female and a 5-year-old male, according to police. The shooter, also the mother of the two children, then "turned the gun on herself and ended her own life," police said.
The adult male who was shot was the father of the two child victims. As of Wednesday morning, he was still in the hospital, but was no longer in intensive care police said.
Leother said this incident has been traumatizing for his entire department.
“Anytime we are dealing with the death of innocent children at the hands of homicidal violence, that is a traumatic experience that will stick with any first responder, anyone processing that scene,” said Leother.
Leother said the Middleton Police Department understands the importance of mental health; they offer a variety of services to their officers.
“One of my first calls when the incident occurred was to a mental health service that we have a contract with,” said Leother. “We did bring in a counselor immediately that night for our staff.”
The department also offers a stress debriefing, one mental health day a year and a peer support team. Beyond that, Leother said the community is playing a big part in helping everyone heal.
“We have really felt the community's support in the last few days; our break room has been full of treats and food,” said Leother. "Whether it is from our neighboring law enforcement agencies [or other] various community members, that really helps drive us and power us through a difficult time.”
Zayna Thomley is the pastor of the Middleton Community Church. She said it’s not just the police who are feeling the impact of Sunday’s shooting; it’s the entire community.
“People feel the pain that is happening here, especially folks connected to Sauk Trail Elementary School; it is hard,” said Thomley.
Thomley said the church doors are always open for anyone in need of a community.
“It is really easy to isolate ourselves and not know what to do with ourselves and being a part of a faith community, or any other community, is really important for finding an outlet for that,” said Thomley.
She also spoke about the importance of checking in on friends and neighbors to make sure incidents like this don’t happen.
”Who is falling through the cracks of our community and who is not getting the love and care and connection that they need to be supported in their mental health struggles or in their financial struggles or whatever it is that is weighing them down?” said Thomley.
A vigil has been scheduled for Feb. 24 at 6:30 p.m. at Lakeview Park, Allen Boulevard, Middleton, Wis.
The police department reminded the community of the following local mental health resources:
- Journey Mental Health Crisis, 608-280-2600
24-hour crisis line for any Dane County resident experiencing a mental health crisis.
Recommended for acute mental health symptoms including suicidal thoughts. - 988
24-hour mental health help line.
Recommended for emotional distress, needing someone to talk to. - Behavioral Health Resource Center, 608-267-2244
Recommended for callers not in crisis but seeking guidance to connect with mental health services.
Additional mental health resources around the state can be found, here.