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David Pabst

Gender : Male

Age : 64

Race : White

Date : 07/09/2025

Location : 5200 block of Paulson Road

City : Middleton

County : Dane

State : Wisconsin

Agency : Middleton Police Department

Officer(s) :Not Disclosed

Cause of Death : Gunshot

Event : Wisconsin State Patrol superintendent killed in family double homicide at home

OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :

On 07/09/2025, at a residence in the 5200 block of Paulson Road in Middleton, Wisconsin, three members of a family were found dead in what police are investigating as a double murder-suicide involving a high-profile law enforcement official.
Among the deceased was David Pabst, 64, who had served as Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Anthony Burrell prior to retirement. (Note: Sources originally misidentified Burrell as the current superintendent; David Pabst, his predecessor, was confirmed as the victim alongside his wife, Tracy Pabst, 56.)
The couple’s son, James Pabst, 25, is alleged to have shot and killed both parents inside the home before retreating into a barricaded position. Middleton Police and Dane County Sheriff’s deputies responded, initiating a brief standoff, during which James took his own life as officers surrounded the home.
The motive for the killings has not been released, and no prior history of domestic conflict or mental health crisis has been publicly confirmed. Investigators recovered a handgun at the scene, and autopsies for all three individuals have been ordered by the Dane County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The Middleton Police Department is leading the investigation, with assistance from the Dane County Sheriff’s Office and Wisconsin Department of Justice. Officials have not released details on any 911 calls, timeline of events, or whether any warning signs were observed before the killings.

SOURCE LINKS :

https://www.tmj4.com/news/local-news/wisconsin-state-patrol-director-wife-fatally-shot-at-home-by-son-authorities-say
https://www.nbc15.com/2025/07/10/wisconsin-state-patrol-superintendent-his-wife-killed-son-middleton/
https://www.cbs58.com/news/wisconsin-state-patrol-superintendent-wife-shot-killed-by-son-in-middleton