On April 12, 2022, the Rockford Police Department located a body in the Rock River in Rockford, Illinois. On April 14, 2022, the Altoona Police Department was contacted by the Rockford Police Department after the body was identified as Dennis R. Schattie, a 79 year old male of Altoona, WI. The death was deemed suspicious by Winnebago, Illinois County Coroner, because of injuries sustained to the body.
Investigators from the Altoona Police Department, Rockford Police Department, and Wisconsin Division of Criminal Investigation executed a search warrant on a residence on St Andrews Drive in the City of Altoona. This prompted a significant police presence in the area from April 14th to April 15th. The Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory assisted with the search of the residence, and numerous items of evidence were collected. Investigators also spoke to community members who provided pertinent information to the investigation. In addition, the Wisconsin State Patrol used forensic mapping technology to document the scene.
Several people were taken into custody by law enforcement and interviewed. Two of those subjects remain in custody on unrelated charges.
The investigation remains active in the Altoona area, and Rockford Police continue to follow up on leads in the Rockford area. This is believed to be an isolated incident, and we have no indication the public is in danger. Anyone who lives in the area is urged to contact the police department if they have observed any suspicious activity in the last two weeks.
To contact investigators:
• Call the Police Department dispatch at (715) 839-4972
• Call Crime Stoppers at (715) 874 TIPS (8477)
• Contact Crime Stoppers through the P3 Tips mobile app
• Or visit eauclairecountycrimestoppers.org
