Seeking Information - Devils Lake Homicide

Just after Columbus Day weekend, on Wednesday, October 14, 2020, Wauwatosa resident, John Craig Schmutzer, was hiking alone through Devil’s Lake State Park when he was stabbed and subsequently died of his wounds.

John’s family was invited to be here with us today, but understandably, given the grief they are experiencing right now, they declined. However, they shared with us that many of their family friends, John’s former teachers, friends, co-workers and neighbors have reached out to them and expressed their thoughts about John.

Those include, among many more, that “John was generous and always willing to be a friend to anyone,” that “John was kind and always willing to help, always with a smile on his face.” John had a zest for life and was a genuinely kind and considerate young man,” and “It was a privilege to be called his friend.”

John grew up Wauwatosa, WI, graduating high school from Wauwatosa West in 2014. He then attended and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2018. He traveled to New York City for a year and then returned to Wauwatosa and was working in the financial field at the time of his death.

While some circumstances surrounding his death remain unknown, visitors to Devil’s Lake Park are being asked to recall events they may have witnessed on October 14, 2020 around 11:30 am and any unusual encounters they may have had with individuals at the park in the days leading up to John’s death. 

While we wish to understand the events leading to John’s death, we are also concerned that the person who stabbed him may be a danger to himself or others.  He may be exhibiting signs of instability as a result of a stressful life event in the days or weeks prior to October 14, 2020 which could include a change in relationship, employment, schooling, health or other life status.  The impact of this stressful event may have been additionally complicated by underlying mental health challenges, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, or some combination thereof. 

Friends and family of this individual may be aware that he carries a knife with him and may have observed changes in his behavior that they consider worrisome.  This individual may now be suffering stress and anxiety caused by John’s death, which will likely get worse as time passes.  This individual is likely to become increasingly angry and abusive.  He may exhibit poor ability to control his emotions and has the potential to act impulsively and disregard possible consequences. 

In the days following this event, he may have exhibited a sharp increase in alcohol or drug use.  He may have shown increased attention to the news surrounding this case.  He may have changed his appearance, changed his vehicle, or left the area entirely without offering explanation.   He may have missed work, missed family events, or withdrawn from other normal activities. 

Additionally, it is possible that this person hurt himself in the act of stabbing John.  People may have observed blood on his clothing.  It’s possible he sought treatment for injuries.  If he was injured, it is likely that he would tell medical professionals, friends, or family that he was the victim of a crime or suffered a serious accident. 

We wish to identify this person before he harms himself or others.  If you know someone who could fit this description and who could have been in the area of Devil’s Lake Park, please call the tip line at 1-888-847-7285

Callers can remain anonymous, and may be eligible for a reward through Sauk County Crime Stoppers.

This case continues to be pursued by the Sauk County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Natural Resources.  Please… help us identify this individual and bring closure for John’s family, who have lost their warm, kind, thoughtful, generous and bright son. 

Chip Meister

Sauk County Sheriff