Oshkosh, Wisconsin, has experienced several significant shooting incidents in recent years, each impacting the local community and prompting investigations by law enforcement. Below is a detailed overview of these events:
On July 2, 2024, 19-year-old Atem Mathiang was fatally shot near the intersection of Wisconsin and Prospect Streets in Oshkosh. Mathiang, originally from Michigan, had been staying with relatives in Oshkosh during his visit. His aunt, Avuk Atak, expressed deep sorrow, stating, “His life was gone… it’s not something that every mother can be wishing.” The suspect, 18-year-old Daniel Wilson from Fond du Lac, was arrested and charged with first-degree intentional homicide. Investigations revealed that Wilson had over 20 prior police contacts in Fond du Lac since 2022. Notably, Mathiang had been involved in a fatal crash in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the previous year, where he was charged with reckless driving causing death.
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In August 2020, a shooting occurred in the 1700 block of Minnesota Avenue, resulting in one fatality and two injuries. The deceased was identified as 59-year-old James Gruettner. The injured victims, 57-year-old John Miller and 33-year-old Rebecca Borkowski, were hospitalized but later reported to be in stable condition. The suspect, 39-year-old Joshua Aide, was apprehended and charged with first-degree intentional homicide and two counts of attempted first-degree homicide. Authorities confirmed that Aide was known to the victims.
On December 2015, a 42-year-old man was shot in the chest following a struggle outside Thundera Multimedia in the 700 block of Oregon Street. The suspect fled the scene, and despite a canvassing of the area, was not immediately apprehended. The victim was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Due to the lack of security cameras and limited information, the investigation faced challenges.
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4. School Resource Officer Stabbing – December 2019
In December 2019, Grant Fuhrman, a former student, attacked Oshkosh West High School Resource Officer Mike Wissink with a barbecue fork. Wissink responded by shooting Fuhrman during the altercation. Neither party sustained serious injuries. Fuhrman was later sentenced to 17 years in prison for attempted first-degree intentional homicide. The incident led to increased awareness and discussions regarding school safety and the mental health of students.
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Conclusion
These incidents underscore the importance of community vigilance, mental health support, and effective law enforcement to ensure the safety and well-being of residents in Oshkosh. Each event has left a lasting impact on the community, prompting ongoing discussions about safety measures and support systems.
