Middleton, WI – A 25-year-old man is believed to have fatally shot his parents in their Middleton home before later dying by suicide in Vernon County, according to law enforcement officials.
According to the Dane County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called Tuesday at 2:21 p.m. to a residence on Stonebrook Circle after a family member found David and Teresa (Teri) Pabst deceased. The family member had gone to check on the couple after they missed scheduled appointments that morning.
Investigators believe the couple’s son, James Pabst, had left the home shortly before deputies arrived. He was reportedly driving a white Honda Accord and was believed to be armed. Just after 4 p.m., the Wisconsin State Patrol located his vehicle heading westbound on U.S. Highway 14 in Vernon County. Vernon County deputies initiated a traffic stop, and Pabst pulled over but refused to exit the vehicle or speak with officers.
After an hour without communication, law enforcement approached the car and found James Pabst dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The Vernon County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the events surrounding his death.
Based on physical evidence and interviews with friends and family, authorities allege James Pabst fatally shot both parents sometime after 9:30 p.m. Monday, July 7. All three lived in the home where the shootings occurred. Officials said the firearm used was legally purchased by James.
Sheriff Kalvin Barrett extended condolences to the victims’ family, stating the investigation is no longer considered criminal in nature but efforts continue to provide answers and closure.
The investigation involved assistance from multiple agencies, including Wisconsin State Patrol, the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office, and the University of Wisconsin’s Department of Pathology.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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