LAKE GENEVA, Wis. — A 52-year-old Lake Geneva man is in custody for allegedly shooting a ‘young male’ victim at his residence overnight on January 20, 2025, according to the Town of Geneva Police Department.
According to a social media release by the authorities, Town of Geneva Police Officers were sent to a home on the W 3800-block of Lincoln Ave in Lake Geneva at 2:25 a.m. CST on Jan. 20 for reports of a young boy who was shot.
Upon arrival, authorities found the victim and began to launch into life-saving measures. He was then transported to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
The suspect, identified as 52-year-old Steven D. Merkel Jr., was brought into custody for the accused shooting at his own listed residence and has since been charged with first-degree reckless homicide. He’s being held at the Walworth County Jail while charges are being reviewed and the legal process begins.
This investigation is now a joint venture between the Town of Geneva Police and the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office.
The victim’s identity — name, age, and address — is being withheld at this stage of the process.
TOP HEADLINES FROM THE 620 WTMJ NEWS TEAM:
- Manitowoc man faces prison time for child pornography
- Woman rescued after falling through the ice on Lake Monona
- MPS, MATC, Marquette and others closed Tuesday for freezing temps
- Billy Idol & Joan Jett close out the summer with show at American Family Insurance Amphitheater
- “They would rather have your data than have the money:” WI Congressman insists TikTok still needs to be sold
READ: Extreme Cold Warning for Southeast Wisconsin — here’s what you need to know
