Justin J. Betz, 42, was fatally shot on the early morning of January 19, 2025, outside Newie’s Vogue Bar and Grill on George Street in La Crosse. Officers were called for reports of gunfire about 2:30 a.m.; Betz was found with a gunshot wound, received emergency care and was transported to a hospital where he died. An autopsy determined a single gunshot to the chest was the cause of death.

Surveillance footage and witness statements became central to the investigation. Prosecutors said the video showed Betz removing his jacket and not advancing toward Cody R. Alland, who appeared to extend his arm and fire. A Hornady-brand 9mm casing was recovered and testimony linked the ammunition to Alland. Police arrested Alland after locating and stopping his vehicle; investigators reported finding his passport and about $1,900 in cash concealed in the vehicle.

Alland was charged with first-degree intentional homicide; a judge found probable cause in a January 28, 2025 preliminary hearing and entered a not-guilty plea on his behalf. At trial the dispute focused on the circumstances leading to the shooting and Alland’s state of mind. Jurors convicted him of second-degree intentional homicide in early August 2026. Betz was remembered by family as a devoted father, grandson, brother and friend. Did anyone see Betz or Alland that night, or have information about what happened outside the bar?