43-year-old Franklin man in custody for homicide, human remains found in burn pit

EAST TROY -- A 43-year-old Franklin resident and business owner has been taken into custody for first degree intentional homicide, officials say. The arrest is related to an arson investigation being conducted by the Milwaukee Police Department that led to a report of two missing persons.

Officials say it has been determined the suspect that was arrested is connected to the disappearance of two people. Evidence led to a farm-house and land which the suspect leased for hunting located along County Road J in the town of East Troy.

"He's a quiet guy. I didn't even know he was having problems," said a man who knows the suspect.

Scouring through brush and combing the property, several law enforcement agencies remained on scene Friday, Jan. 11 to search for evidence after they found a burn pit containing the human remains in Walworth County on Thursday, Jan. 10.

Those who know the suspect, who lives miles away from East Troy, had no idea about the severity of the accusations against him.

"I don't think anybody knows about that around here. It's a quiet community," said said a man who knows the suspect.

Authorities were also on scene of an arson case in Milwaukee -- believed to be connected to the case.

"There was just the police out here and fire department or rescue squad," said a man who knows the suspect. I know they had the street blocked off. They weren't letting anybody down in that area."

Sources tell FOX6 News, police found clothes soaked in diesel fuel and blood in the suspect's Franklin home. The remains have not been identified yet. What we do know is that the suspect was taken into custody for first degree intentional homicide and also has charges pending in multiple jurisdictions.

A look into the suspect's past shows he's no stranger to law enforcement. He has a prior conviction of endangering safety by use of a dangerous weapon while intoxicated, disorderly conduct domestic abuse, use of a dangerous weapon and receiving or concealing stolen property.

Charges against the suspect are pending in multiple jurisdictions.

Investigators from Franklin are working law enforcement partners from the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office, the Wisconsin Department of Justice, the Milwaukee Police Department, the Town of East Troy Police Department and the Waukesha County Medical Examiners Office.

Officials say there is no danger to the public at this time.