Eau Claire (WQOW) - A suspect has been charged in the death of an Eau Claire man.
James Olson is now charged with 1st degree intentional homicide in the death of Paul Oberle. Oberle and Olson were neighbors. Oberle's body was found lying in his yard off of Vine Street on June 9th. Police say they believe Olson hit Oberle in the head several times with an item consistent with a crowbar.
According to the criminal complaint, during the investigation, detectives noticed Oberle's phone lines had been cut on the east side of his house. That is the side that faces Olson's property. Oberle's father told police a similar incident happened within the last year.
Oberle's father and sister also told investigators about another alleged incident involving Oberle and Olson. Both told police Paul was heading home after visiting his parents, who also live on Vine Street, when Olson confronted him. Oberle's sister says she heard Olson threaten her brother saying, "I'll kill you."
After meeting with family the day Oberle's body was found, law enforcement went to Olson's house. While checking the back door, officers heard someone deadbolt the door from the inside of the house. Police got a warrant and searched Olson's home. During the search, investigators found two hairs in the sink believed to be Oberle's hair. They also found a crowbar behind the kitchen stove. A napkin was wrapped around the end of the crowbar.
Police took Olson into custody to interview him. Before detectives could question Olson about the investigation, they said he mentioned Oberle's name.
Olson, who was arrested on Friday, was in court on Monday morning. He is currently being held in the Eau Claire County jail without bond. Olson is scheduled to be back in court on Tuesday.
You can read the criminal complaint here:
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Eau Claire (WQOW) - A suspect has been charged in the death of an Eau Claire man.
James Olson is charged with 1st degree intentional homicide in the death of Paul Oberle. Oberle and Olson were neighbors. Oberle was found lying in his yard off of Vine Street on June 9th. Police say they believe Olson hit Oberle in the head several times with an item consistent with a crow bar.
Olson, who was arrested on Friday, was in court on Monday morning. He is currently being held in the Eau Claire County jail without bond. Olson is scheduled to be back in court on Tuesday.
