River Falls (Press Release) - River Falls Police and other law enforcement agencies continue with the investigation surrounding the tragic events of July 10 in River Falls.
Police continue to request the public's assistance involving a laptop computer and computer bag believed to be Aaron Schaffhausen's. It is believed to be a Sony VAIO in a Targus laptop bag. These items may have been disposed of by Mr. Schaffhausen before turning himself into the River Falls Police Department. These items may be located along the side of the road or in a ditch. Mr. Schaffhausen may have traveled using roads leading east or north of the 2790 Morningside Avenue address to include as far away as Baldwin. At the time he was driving a metallic blue 2012 Chevrolet Cruze vehicle with a California License plate (see included photo of vehicle).
Should any citizen discover these items, they can contact the River Falls Police Department immediately at 715-425-0909. We are also asking any citizen who may have seen a vehicle matching this description between 1:30 p.m. and 4:45 p.m. on Tuesday, July10, 2012 to contact the River Falls Police Department at the same phone number.
Jessica Schaffhausen has identified a spokesperson. Please see the following statement attributed to the family:
The family wants to thank everyone for respecting our privacy while we are grieving the loss of three wonderful, bright, happy and engaging girls - Amara, Sophie, and Cecilia.
We sincerely want to thank the local public agencies for their support during this trying time. They include:
River Falls Police Department
City of River Falls
St. Croix Sheriff's Department
St. Croix Victim Assistance Program
St. Croix District Attorney's Office
River Falls School District
Pierce County Sheriff's Department
Ramsey County Medical Examiner's Office
We also want to sincerely thank all those who have reached out to our family in many different ways, and especially to everyone who has donated to the Benefit Account for the Schaffhausen Children, spurred on by Paul Rode, Owner of Agave Restaurant. Our thanks also to all the community members and to the United Universalist Society of River Falls in organizing two candlelight vigils in honor of our girls.
We are deeply moved by the outpouring of love, concern and care expressed by everyone we have encountered during this difficult time, and it has helped us immensely to know that this community is supporting us during this terrible tragedy.
Flint Watt, Uncle of Jessica Schaffhausen, is the designated spokesperson for the family. Mr. Watt can be contacted through the Victim Assistance Program of St. Croix County at 715-386-4666.
A memorial service will be held Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 7:00 pm at Kilkarney Hills Golf Club (163 Radio Road, River Falls). Visitation will also be Tuesday from 4-7 p.m. at Kilkarney Hills. Private family services and interment will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated in Amara, Sophie and Cecilia's names to the River Falls Community Food Pantry 222 N Main St. River Falls, WI 54022 or Benefit Account for the Schaffhausen Girls: First National Bank, PO Box 166 River Falls, WI 54022. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services of River Falls.
The family indicates that additional comments or statements will not be provided at this time as they prepare for and attend the memorial service.
The following statement can be attributed to Police Chief Roger Leque in response to requests for comment on how the community and the Police Department is dealing with the matter.
"I think it is fair to say for now the Police Department has faced and continues to face a significant challenge. I am very proud of our staff that has performed with tremendous professionalism under extremely difficult circumstances. We are very appreciative of the resources provided to assist and the support from our friends and partners in law enforcement, other departments, agencies and community. We can't thank everyone enough."
