Eau Claire (WQOW) - An arrest has been made in an Eau Claire murder.
James E. Olson was arrested in the death of Paul Oberle. Olson lives next door to Oberle.
Oberle was found dead in his yard on Vine Street nearly two weeks ago. He died from head trauma. Police say the wounds he had were consistent with being hit multiple times with a crow bar. That weekend, police searched Olson's home and found a crow bar behind a stove.
"It is believed that James Olson confronted Paul Oberle when he arrived home from his work shift. James Olson attacked him as he was walking from his truck to the back door of his residence. Paul Oberle was struck several times in the head with an item consistent with a crow bar. We all know the tragic outcome of that unprovoked attack," said Deputy Chief Jerry Staniszewski of the Eau Claire Police Department.
He continued, "The Wisconsin Crime Lab in Madison examined the evidence, and was able to locate Paul Oberle's blood on the clothing of James Olson. This would be a scientific DNA profile match of Paul Oberle's blood on the clothing of James Olson."
Olson was then taken into custody for a mental health evaluation and has been detained since. He is now in the county jail. He'll make his first court appearance on Monday when he could be charged.
Police say there was a history of contact between Olson and Oberle, but they would not elaborate. Both men lived alone. Police did say Olson had been the source of harassment and suspicious behavior in the area in the past.
Last year, he was convicted of disorderly conduct and illegal dumping. According to court documents, he was accused of dropping off garbage at several neighborhood homes, but not Oberle's. Olson allegedly dumped boxes of broken glass, plates and paper, telling police he was doing it to "feed their children." That this was his way of communicating with his neighbors.
We asked police if Olson had been given a mental health evaluation in the past based on these previous cases. Police say they were not aware of one but say those records are legally protected so even if that had happened, it may not be something they could release publicly.
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Eau Claire (Press Release from the Press Conference) - On behalf of the Eau Claire Police Department, we once again want to express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Paul Oberle.
The Eau Claire Police Department has arrested James E. Olson for 1st Degree Intentional Homicide related to the death of Paul Oberle.
Since June 9th The Eau Claire Police Department has committed all of its resources to bring this investigation to a successful resolution as quickly as reasonably possible.
The events from June 9th unfolded in the following manner:
- At 1:42 p.m., the Eau Claire Police Department was dispatched to 1316 Vine Street where Paul Oberle was found unresponsive laying face up in his back yard. Examination of Mr. Oberle revealed trauma to his head which, according to the forensic pathologist, was the cause of his death.
- Investigation into previous police responses to the neighborhood revealed that Paul Oberle's neighbor, James Olson, was the source of harassment and suspicious behavior in the area prior to Paul Oberle's death.
- A search warrant for James Olson's residence was obtained and executed within 12 hours of the initial call to our police department. James Olson was interviewed and was subsequently detained for a mental health evaluation. He has remained in custody since being detained on June 10.
- The search warrant executed at James Olson's residence revealed numerous items of evidence to include a crow bar which was hidden behind the kitchen stove. Other biological evidence was obtained to include hair and blood.
- The Wisconsin Crime Lab in Madison examined the evidence and was able to locate Paul Oberle's blood on the clothing of James Olson. This would be a scientific DNA profile match of Paul Oberle's blood on the clothing of James Olson.
Based on historical information learned about the relationship between Paul Oberle and James Olson, the forensic evidence found at the scene, and witness statements of neighbors, we are satisfied, on the basis of our investigation, that James Olson is responsible for the death of Paul Oberle.
It is believed that James Olson confronted Paul Oberle when he arrived home from his work shift. James Olson attacked him as he was walking from his truck to the back door of his residence. Paul Oberle was struck several times in the head with an item consistent with a crow bar. We all know the tragic outcome of that unprovoked attack.
I would like to personally thank the following people and organizations who assisted with the homicide investigation: The neighborhood residents of Paul Oberle The Eau Claire County Medical Examiner's Office The Regina Medical Center Forensic Pathology Department The Wisconsin Crime Lab The Eau Claire County District Attorney's Office The men and women of the Eau Claire Police Department
I would also like to thank the Eau Claire Community for their patience during this investigation. Public safety has and will always be the number one priority for the Eau Claire Police Department.
-Deputy Chief Jerry Staniszewski
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Eau Claire (WQOW) - Police will hold a press conference this afternoon to announce the arrest of a suspect in the death of Paul Oberle.
Oberle was found dead in his yard on Vine Street in Eau Claire almost two weeks ago. The state crime lab has been analyzing possible evidence collected at the scene. Earlier this week, police told WQOW News 18 they expected test results to come in either late this week or early next week -- and depending on what that evidence showed, they said an arrest could come soon after that.
James E. Olson
Paul Oberle
