Dodge County man killed wife, turned gun on himself: officials

Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt said David Zittel, 85, shot his wife, Susan Zittel. Zittel then went to Prairie Ridge Health, entered the lobby, and shot himself.

COLUMBUS, Wis. - The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office and Columbus Police Department are conducting a pair of death investigations at separate locations that are believed to be related, officials said on Tuesday, Feb. 20.

Officials said on Monday, Feb. 19 at 6:20 a.m., a Columbus police officer was dispatched to Prairie Ridge Health.

"It was for a report of a man outside the entrance with a gun," said Columbus Police Chief Dennis Weiner.

Columbus Police Chief Dennis Weiner

As the officer arrived, it was reported the man had shot himself in the emergency room waiting area. Medical aid was immediately attempted by hospital staff, but the man had already died from his injuries.

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Columbus police officers then requested Dodge County deputies respond to the individual’s residence, in the Town of Elba to check on the status of the individual’s wife. Just before 7 a.m., the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office arrived at an address on Oak Grove Drive – and located a female deceased in the home. The sheriff’s office immediately began a joint law enforcement investigation into this incident.

Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt said in a Tuesday news conference that David Zittel, 85, shot his wife, Susan Zittel. Zittel then went to Prairie Ridge Health, entered the lobby, and shot himself.

"Was there any indicated of family strife, medical issues, that precipitated this incident?" asked FOX6's Bill Miston.

"Not that we're going to be able to talk about today," Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt answered.

No other individuals are believed to be involved in this incident. Officials said this is an isolated incident and that the community is safe.

Dodge County death investigations update

The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office and Columbus Police Department are conducting a pair of death investigations at separate locations that are believed to be related, officials said on Tuesday, Feb. 20.

"We would like to community to also know that the Prairie Ridge Health responded as they should have and immediately went into lock down until mid-afternoon. They also diverted all ambulances temporarily until it was determined safe to resume operations," Sheriff Schmidt said.

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The Columbus Police Department and the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office have been in contact with the family.

FOX6 News learned the Zittels were long part of the Columbus community. David Zittel founded Lyco Mnufacturing in 1980 – and was chairman and CEO. The company makes commercial food equipment.