'Heard a lot of arguing:' 33-year-old man stabbed to death in West Allis; no arrests made

WEST ALLIS -- A 33-year-old man from Onalaska was killed in a stabbing near 71st Street and Becher Street in West Allis early Sunday, Sept. 15.

According to police, officers responded to the area just before 2 a.m. An initial investigation revealed a physical altercation took place between two groups of people, which lead to the stabbing. The victim died at the scene, despite life-saving efforts.

Neighbors said they heard arguing early Sunday.

"I turn, and I look, and I see the victim laying in the grass," said Barb Bettinger. "I thought, 'Oh my God!'"

Bettinger said she watched as paramedics worked to save the man's life.

Barb Bettinger

"I heard a lot of arguing going on outside, and I seen two groups of people, and thought maybe it was an after bar argument or something," said Bettinger. "It started up again, real quick, so I go back to the window, and I heard one of the boys say, he was on a bike, and he said to the victim, he says, 'Don't (expletive) with me.' Then, I thought, 'Oh, no. This is really starting to get out of hand,' so I start calling 911. Then, I'm on the phone, and after I finish the conversation, I go back to the window, and then I see the boy take off on his bike, and he said to his partner there, 'Let's go. Let's get out of here.'"

Bettinger said two men stayed with the victim until paramedics arrived. A neighbor's security camera captured them working to save the man's life.

Later, detectives canvassed the neighborhood, looking for clues as to what led up to this, and who was responsible.

"Extremely out of the ordinary," said Bettinger. "It's a very quiet neighborhood."

Anyone with information was asked to please contact police.