News

Actions

Inconclusive autopsy for body found in Fox Crossing ditch

Police say 54-year old John Schaus lived alone
Posted at 2:29 PM, Jan 03, 2017
and last updated 2017-01-05 19:33:10-05

UPDATE:

1/5/2017

The Fox Crossing Police Department says the autopsy for the body of a man found in a ditch has been completed, but results are inconclusive.

54-year-old John Schaus was found deceased at the intersection of Shady Lane and American Drive on Tuesday afternoon.

Police say they still don't have a definitive cause of death and they're not ruling anything out in this case so far.

Investigators are canvassing the area and trying to determine the time frame of when Schaus ended up in the ditch.

Part of the ongoing investigation is pursuing leads with nearby businesses. 
 
 
The Fox Crossing Police Department is asking for the public's assistance. If you have any information, please contact the Village of Fox Crossing Police Department at 920-720-7109.

If you would prefer to remain anonymous, please contact the Winnebago County Wide Crime Stoppers at 920-231-8477 or text IGOTYA and your crime tip to 274637.

You can also submit your crime tip online by clicking here

 

 

1/4/2017

The Fox Crossing Police Department has identified the body of a man found in a ditch in Fox Crossing as 54-year-old John Schaus. 

At this point, police tell us they don't have a definitive cause of death, and they're not ruling anything out in this case so far.

Meanwhile, those who knew Schaus on social media say he will be missed, adding he could always make them smile. Schaus was also apparently a regular at Acoca Coffee in Appleton. 

Part of the ongoing investigation is pursuing leads with nearby businesses. Police say a Sun Comfort employee found Schaus's body along East Shady Lane Tuesday afternoon.
 
It's unclear if Schaus was struck by a car or suffered a medical issue, which is why they're analyzing his body closely, which police say showed evidence of trauma.
 
"There were some injuries. At this point in time, we're not ready to divulge any of those injuries," says Jason Weber, of the Fox Crossing Police Department. "But really, initial examination hasn't led us.. one way or the other to concretely say 'this is definitely what happened.'" 
 
An autopsy was completed by Wednesday afternoon, but police say it still hasn't given definitive answers. 
 
They say they're relying on the public's help, adding any information could lead to a break in the case.
 
The Fox Crossing Police Department is asking for the public's assistance. If you have any information, please contact the Village of Fox Crossing Police Department at 920-720-7109.

If you would prefer to remain anonymous, please contact the Winnebago County Wide Crime Stoppers at 920-231-8477 or text IGOTYA and your crime tip to 274637.

You can also submit your crime tip online by clicking here

 
 

1/3/2017

The Fox Crossing Police Department says officers and firefighters responded to the intersection of Shady Lane and American Drive at approximately 1:34 p.m. after receiving reports of a body found in a ditch.

Upon arrival at the scene, police determined the body was of a white, middle aged man.

Wisconsin State Patrol was called to assist in providing an accident reconstruction of the scene.

At this time, police say they do not have a definitive cause of death and cannot with certainty rule anything out.

Investigators say they are pursuing leads and an autopsy is being conducted this morning by the Dane County Medical Examiner's Office.

Fox Crossing police investigators are also speaking with area businesses to see if any employees saw the man earlier. 

The Fox Crossing Police Department is asking for the public's assistance. If you have any information, please contact the Village of Fox Crossing Police Department at 920-720-7109.

If you would prefer to remain anonymous, please contact the Winnebago County Wide Crime Stoppers at 920-231-8477 or text IGOTYA and your crime tip to 274637.

You can also submit your crime tip online by clicking here