Glenn Mark Kopitske, 37, was found dead in his Fremont, Wisconsin home on August 2, 2003. Initially thought to have died of natural causes because summer heat had advanced decomposition, a medical examiner later determined he’d been shot in the back of the head with a 12-gauge shotgun. Multiple stab wounds were inflicted after death, including one driven so forcefully into the spine that the knife became lodged in bone.

No immediate suspects or clear physical leads emerged at the scene, and the case stalled for months. The investigation broke in January 2004 when Olivia Thoma told police that her ex-boyfriend, 17-year-old Gary Hirte, had confessed. Thoma helped obtain a recorded call in which Hirte admitted the killing. Police arrested Hirte on January 29, 2004; Kopitske’s keys and an 8-inch hunting knife that tested positive for Kopitske’s blood were found at Hirte’s parents’ home. Hirte had also shown the knife and keys to a friend, Eric Wenzelow.

Hirte’s defense raised an insanity claim and his account changed after arrest. The jury rejected the insanity defense and Hirte was later sentenced to life with parole eligibility after 32 years.

Did anyone in Fremont know Kopitske well enough to shed light on why he was targeted?