EAST TROY, Wis. — A 43-year-old Franklin resident and business owner has been arrested and faces homicide charges after human remains were discovered in a burn pit in Walworth County.
"The arrest is related to an arson investigation being conducted by the Milwaukee Police Department that led to a report of two missing persons," Franklin Police said in a news release.
"It has been determined that the suspect that was arrested is connected to the disappearance of 2 people," police added.
They said evidence led them to carry out a search warrant at a farmhouse near County Highway J and Woodfield Court on Thursday afternoon in East Troy.
"A burn pit was located which contained human remains. At this time we are in the process of identifying who the remains belong to," Franklin Police said.
Neighbors first reported squad cars in front of the home in East Troy about 9 a.m. Thursday.
"This is really disconcerting that we've had this happen almost in our backyard," said Bob Krabbenhoft, who lives across the street.
"I hope it's only a one-time thing," he added.
Krabbenhoft said he thought the farmhouse all of the investigators were focused on had been sitting vacant for several years.
"About all I've ever seen is someone coming over and checking on the house," Krabbenhoft said. "I haven't seen anybody really living there anymore."
Franklin Police believe the suspect leased the property for hunting.
Charges against the suspect are pending in multiple jurisdictions.
