A 43-year-old man has been charged after allegedly assaulting two people, including a 71-year-old disabled veteran who died from head injuries sustained in the attack.
Incident Details
On May 27, Washington Police officers responded to a call at Walnut Street and found the elderly man deceased in the hallway of his home. Court documents obtained by KSDK-TV confirmed that the man died due to blunt force trauma to the head.
Female Victim Identifies Suspect
Shortly after, a 50-year-old woman with facial injuries came forward, reporting she had also been assaulted at the same residence. She helped police identify the suspect as William Vedenhaupt.
Relationship Between Victims and Suspect
Police said the female victim and Vedenhaupt were in a “continuing social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature.” Detective Lt. Steve Sitzes explained that the victims and suspect were well known to each other and that this was not a random attack.
Suspect Arrested and Confession
Officers found Vedenhaupt in a nearby storage building and took him into custody. He reportedly confessed to assaulting both victims. While a motive has been identified, police have not released further details.
Victim’s Condition and Charges
The female victim has been released from the hospital and is recovering. Vedenhaupt now faces charges of second-degree murder and second-degree domestic assault. He is being held without bond at the Franklin County Detention Center.
Police Praise Quick Response
Detective Lt. Sitzes praised the quick work of officers, noting the benefits of policing in a small community where officers are familiar with residents and their routines. This familiarity helped bring swift resolution to the case.