Oconomowoc warehouse shooting: No motive determined, officials say
OCONOMOWOC, Wis. - The investigation into the double homicide that occurred at Roundy's Distribution Center on March 16 has concluded, the sheriff announced Monday, May 3, with no motive determined.
The shootings happened overnight in different locations inside the Roundy’s distribution center in Oconomowoc, about 30 miles west of Milwaukee. Law enforcement was called to the scene around 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 16 for an "industrial accident." They quickly realized it was something worse.
Roundy’s Distribution Center in Oconomowoc
One victim was found in a loading dock, while another was located in an upper area of the building. Life-saving measures were conducted but were unsuccessful. Kevin Schneider, 39 of Milwaukee and Kevin Kloth, 51 of Germantown were pronounced dead at the scene. They worked for Roundy's for 20 years.
Investigators say Kloth and Schneider were shot and killed by a co-worker, 41-year-old Fraron Cornelius of Wauwatosa, who spent 23 years with the company.
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Roundy’s Distribution Center
After the shooting, police say Cornelius took off. Officers used surveillance footage to identify Cornelius as the shooter and warned law enforcement in the area to be on the lookout for his vehicle. Later, Cornelius crashed his car on Milwaukee's northwest side and fatally shot himself -- all after a police pursuit.
After interviews with hundreds of employees, family members and friends, a motive never surfaced, according to investigators.
Dr. Jerry Halverson with Rogers Behavioral Health said the lack of closure from a trauma like this can, in some ways, be trauma on its own.
"You have random acts of violence happening in your community – it’s going to be difficult whether you know the reason or not," he said.
The March 16 incident was the first of several high-profile shootings with multiple casualties in our area in the six weeks.
Roundy’s Distribution Center
On April 18, three men were killed and three others injured after a shooting at a Kenosha County bar. On Saturday, May 1, two men were killed and another seriously injured in a shooting at the Oneida Casino in Ashwaubenon.
"I think there’s been a lot of stress and anxiety brought on by this whole last year that we’ve been going through," said Halvorson. "We’ve seen that with people requesting treatment for mental health. There’s been higher levels of depression and anxiety out there."
Roundy’s and the employee union declined our requests for an interview but said they are keeping the victims' family members in their prayers. Roundy’s Corporation, meanwhile, reported more than $1 million raised for their victim fund.
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