Prairie du Chien Police release statement on sentencing of a Lancaster man to 40-years in prison on First-Degree Reckless Homocide Charge

On Wednesday, May 6, 2026, Jessie J. Slaughter, age 40 of Lancaster, Wisconsin, was sentenced to a total of 40 years in prison on the amended charge of First-Degree Reckless Homicide. The sentence consists of 25 years of initial confinement and 15 years of extended supervision. This case stems from a homicide investigation within the City of Prairie du Chien during October of 2024.

The Prairie du Chien Police Department extends its appreciation to the investigators and officers who worked this case from the beginning through its conclusion. Their professionalism, diligence, and thorough investigation were critical to the successful resolution of this matter.

I would also like to thank Andrew Burdick, the Crawford County District Attorney, and his Office, for its partnership throughout this case. The collaboration between our agencies was instrumental in bringing this case to completion. Although the conclusion of this case will not bring the victim back to their family, we pray that this will add to the journey of closure I am sure they seek. One death caused by homicidal violence is too many in our community. This senseless act was avoidable. Our department will stop at nothing to hold those responsible for victimizing our residents to the justice they deserve.

Previous Releases on the case--

On October 25, 2024 at 10:18pm the Prairie du Chien Police Department was dispatched to the 1000 block of East Wisconsin Street in Prairie du Chien for a Welfare Check.

Upon arrival on scene officers located a deceased male inside of a residence. Upon further investigation wounds were found on the deceased male consistent with trauma caused by a sharp object. Officers obtained a search warrant for the residence and requested the assistance of the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation Mobile Crime Lab and Forensic Unit.

Based on evidence gathered and statements received from witnesses, an additional search warrant was requested and granted for a residence in Grant County, Wisconsin. At approximately 12:30pm on October 26, 2024, staff from the Prairie du Chien Police Department executed that search warrant with the assistance of the Southwest Wisconsin Emergency Response Team.

As a result of that search warrant a 39 year old male was arrested and transported to the Crawford County Jail.

****Update 10/28/24****

The Victim is being identified as Daniel Welsch, Age 65 of Prairie du Chien.

The Suspect is being identified as Jessie J. Slaughter, Age 39

Charges referred to Crawford County District Attorney include: 1^st Degree Reckless Homicide & Bail jumping. At the time of this incident Mr. Slaughter was out on active bond through Onieda County, Wisconsin for Disorderly Conduct and Criminal Damage to Property.

No further details will be released at this time (10/28/2024 @ 1:15pm). The investigation continues including an autopsy that is schedule for this afternoon in Madison, WI.