Man makes initial court appearance, accused in death of his father

VILLAGE OF SUMMIT (WITI) -- 27-year-old Shawn Witt made his initial court appearance Friday, January 24th after being taken into custody in connection with the death of his father, James Witt.

James Witt was found dead in his residence on Wednesday, January 22nd by the Village of Summit Police Department.

According to authorities, the Village of Summit Police Department responded to a domestic incident between a father and son on Elm Street on Tuesday, January 21st. Following their investigation, they subsequently arrested Shawn Witt for domestic abuse.

Shawn Witt

Shawn Witt was taken to the Waukesha County Jail where he was eventually served with a temporary restraining order prohibiting any contact with his father or his residence.

Shawn was released on a signature bond after appearing in court that same day.

On Wednesday, January 22nd, Summit police were called back to the Witt residence to check the well-being of James Witt. When police arrived on scene, Shawn Witt indicated that his father had gone up north.

Authorities say when police attempted to confirm that James Witt had traveled north, they located his body wrapped in a blanket on the basement floor.

After the preliminary joint investigation between the Village of Summit Police Department and the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department, it was determined that James Witt died of a gunshot wound.

"They were just down talking to me the other day when I was building my snowman with the grandkids and stuff. Everything seemed fine," said neighbor Bob Lange.

Shawn Witt was arrested and charged with First Degree Intentional Homicide, Possession of Heroin, 2 Counts of Bail Jumping, 2 Counts of Violation of an Injunction and 2 counts of Theft.

"We certainly have information that heroin was involved in this case. Whether he was under the influence of it or not, we don't know. We're looking at all possibilities," said Waukesha County Sheriff Dan Trawicki.

Shawn Witt is currently being held in the Waukesha County Jail.

FOX6 has learned that the Waukesha County Sheriff's Department executed a search warrant related to this case at a home on 35th and Glendale in Milwaukee on Thursday evening, January 23rd.

Authorities have not confirmed whether anyone else has been taken into custody in connection with the case or if any evidence was recovered from this location.