An elderly Wisconsin man is behind bars after allegedly shooting his wife dead at a popular nature preserve — and his reason has left investigators stunned.
What Happened
George Paul, 80, is accused of killing his wife, Susan Paul, also 80, at Pewitt’s Nest Nature Preserve in the Township of Baraboo, Wisconsin, on May 8.
Multiple witnesses watched in horror as a man dragged a woman from a minivan and shot her multiple times in the parking lot before fleeing the scene.
Deputies arrived to find Susan dead from multiple close-range gunshot wounds.
It Didn’t Stop There
About an hour later, George allegedly drove his Kia Carnival minivan to the Sauk Prairie Police Department — and opened fire on the front door and vestibule.
No officers were injured.
Police stopped his vehicle shortly after and confirmed he was the same suspect from the nature preserve.
His Shocking Explanation
When detectives questioned him, George claimed his wife was not actually human.
He told investigators she was a “creature” who had been posing as his real wife for 55 years — and that similar creatures were trying to take over the world.
He said he shot at the police department to get officers’ attention.
History of Concerns
George Paul was already known to local law enforcement. He had reportedly called before and threatened to shoot a police staffer.
Authorities say he had been showing signs of dementia.
When arrested, police found a pistol, a purse, and blood inside his vehicle.
Charges & Court Date
George Paul has been charged with:
- First-degree intentional homicide
- Intentionally pointing a firearm at a person
- Reckless use of a firearm
- Criminal damage to property
- Discharging a firearm within 100 yards of a building
He is currently held at Sauk County Jail. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 14.
