Update: Jefferson County Fire and Death Investigation

Jun 19 2020

SUMNER, Wis. – Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) and the Office of the State Fire Marshal are investigating the deaths of two individuals and a fire in the town of Sumner, Wis.

 

On the evening of June 16, 2020, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a home in Sumner for a possible burglary. Arriving on scene, the Deputy observed two individuals laying on the driveway, later determined to be deceased.  The Deputy took fire from the residence and returned fire. The Deputy then saw black smoke coming from inside the residence.

 

Those two deceased individuals have been identified as Nedra J. Lemke, age 57, and James H. Lemke, age 59. Jefferson County Medical Examiner deemed gunshot wounds to be the cause of death for both individuals.

 

At this time, law enforcement believes the incident was targeted and not a random act.

 

In conjunction with the ongoing investigation, DCI and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office are asking the public for their assistance in looking for Kevin P. Anderson, a 61-year-old, white male of Fort Atkinson. He’s 6'0", weighs about 200 lbs. with blue eyes and balding brown hair. If you see Anderson, do not approach. Instead, please immediately contact Law Enforcement.

 

If anyone has information and video about this incident or was driving in the area of Wisconsin Highway 106 and County Highway A, please contact Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office at 920-674-7310.

 

This continues to be an on-going investigation and Law Enforcement asks the public to avoid the area until further notice.

 

DCI is leading the investigation with assistance from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. They are also assisted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory, Wisconsin State Patrol, Dane County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Medical Examiner, and DOJ Office of Crime Victim Services. Agencies donating equipment include Fort Atkinson Fire Department, Jefferson Fire and EMS, Sun Prairie Volunteer Fire Department and Fitchburg Fire Department.

 

The investigation is ongoing and no further information is currently available.