Grant County Authorities Release the names of those involved in Death Investigation

The Grant County Sheriff’s Office is currently conducting a death investigation in the Township of Smelser, just south of Cuba City. At approximately 1:28 P.M., the Grant County Dispatch Center received a 911 call from an individual reporting two individuals with gunshot wounds outside of the residence. When law enforcement arrived, they located a deceased female and a male on the ground outside of a residence near a vehicle. The female was deceased, and first aid was rendered for the male. The male was transported to Southwest Health Center in Platteville and then transferred by ambulance to a hospital in Madison where he passed away as well.

As the investigation continues, the Grant County Sheriff’s Office and Grant County Coroner’s office have identified the victim as Katie Kieffer, 35, of Darlington. Investigators have determined that Kieffer had been in a relationship with Ben Randecker, 40, of rural Cuba City, and they had a child together. Recently the relationship had ended.

On August 14, 2026, Randecker was arrested and charged in Lafayette County with Domestic Battery, Domestic Disorderly Conduct, Criminal Damage to Property, and Stalking, as a result of an incident that occurred in Darlington.

On September 19, 2026, Kieffer went to an address on Rose Ln., to drop off the child at the Randecker residence. When Kieffer arrived and got out of her car, Randecker shot her with a handgun and then shot himself.

Kieffer died on scene, and Randecker later died after being transported to a hospital in Madison.

The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.