Wisconsin couple’s death ruled a murder suicide: Karen Fry killed by husband Dennis Fry, bodies found in house fire
A medical examiner’s report has ruled the death of an Oconto County couple whose bodies were found after a house fire a murder suicide. The Wisconsin wife and husband were identified as Karen Fry and Dennis Fry, found dead May 15 at their home on Beschta Lane in the Town of Lena.
Karen and Dennis Fry
Karen Fry, 48, was found inside a bedroom in the home, which was engulfed in flames when Lena fire crews arrived on scene. Dennis Fry, 47, has been ruled a suicide, found dead outside of the home, near the steps with a .22-caliber rifle.
Sheriff Mike Jansen spoke to the press to confirm those details, but offered little else as the origin of the fire remains under investigation. He noted that investigators ruled the fire as suspicious in nature back in May. Inside of the home, a deputy and investigator both smelled the odor of gasoline.
“There is nothing leading us to look at the possibility of an unknown third person,” Jansen said. “The evidence presents itself as arson.”
Jansen avoided speculation about the incident.
“There’s some different options … nothing that leads us to one (point) from the other,” he said. “Anything beyond this would be assumption.”
“There’s going to be some unknowns that will remain, unless (something arises), but I don’t think anything is going to jump out,” said Investigator Keith Johnson.
Jansen said investigators believe a different caliber firearm was used to kill Karen Fry, but were not able determine what it was.
On motive, Jansen stated that it appeared Karen Fry’s health problems were one of the primary reasons behind the shootings.
“During the investigation, it was learned she suffered from fairly serious medical issues,” he said.
The Sheriff’s Office report quotes Karen Fry’s brother, who lives next door, as he told a deputy that he woke up to the “loud popping” of the gunshot, saw the home on fire, he ran over, but was unable to enter the home due to the blaze.
