Victims in Wisconsin double homicide identified as a state patrol director, wife; son named as suspect
According to the Dane County Sheriff's Office, deputies were called to a residence at 8580 Stonebrook Circle in the Town of Middleton on Tuesday, July 8, after a family member contacted 911. The caller went to check on David and Teri Pabst after the couple failed to arrive at their expected destinations that morning.
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Local 5 News has confirmed that David Pabst served as director of the Wisconsin State Patrol Bureau of Transportation Safety and Technical Services.
When deputies arrived, they learned that the couple's son, 25-year-old James Pabst, had left the home shortly before their arrival. He was believed to be armed and driving a white Honda Accord.
A few hours later, the Wisconsin State Patrol located the vehicle traveling west on U.S. Highway 14 in Vernon County. A traffic stop was attempted near Patterson Road. James initially pulled over without incident but refused to speak with officers or exit the vehicle.
After an hour-long standoff, law enforcement officers tactically approached the vehicle and found that James had died by suicide.
Based on interviews and evidence from both scenes, investigators believe James fatally shot his parents around 9:30 p.m. on Monday, July 7, inside the home they all shared. The handgun used in the shooting was legally purchased by James.
'On behalf of everyone at the Dane County Sheriff's Office, our sincerest condolences go out to the Pabst family, their friends, and neighbors,' said Dane County Sheriff Kalvin Barrett. 'While this is no longer a criminal investigation, we will do all we can to provide the surviving family members the answers and closure they deserve.'
In a tribute on social media, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation praised David Pabst for his nearly 40-year career in public safety.
'David always served with integrity and compassion, driven by a deep commitment to protect others,' the post read. 'He always had a smile and a kind word to share… David and Teri will be greatly missed.'
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The Vernon County Sheriff's Office also offered condolences, stating, 'The senseless loss of a law enforcement colleague is always heartrending… The world is a sadder place today as we reflect on the countless contributions that Director Pabst made to the safety and well-being of law-abiding citizens everywhere.'
No additional details were released.
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