Police suspect conspiracy in Oconomowoc murder

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Authorities say the murder of an Oconomowoc woman was part of an effort by her ex-boyfriend to win custody of their four-year-old son. At a news conference Thursday, Nov. 19, police said the ex-boyfriend, 41-year-old Darren Wold, conspired with his friend Jack Johnson to kill 39-year-old Kimberly Smith. And they allegedly had Justin Welch of French Camp California travel to Wisconsin to carry out the murder. The 26-year-old Welch and the 65-year-old Johnson were both arrested Nov. 18 at the U.S.-Mexican border in San Diego. Wold was arrested at his current home in Lubbock Texas. Authorities said he maintained his innocence when he was questioned about the slaying. Smith was found dead in her home October 1 with her hands bound. She was stabbed several times. Police said Welch’s D-N-A was found on a knife and gloves recovered near the murder scene. Investigators said they first linked Welch to Johnson and then to Wold – who was said to be losing a custody battle with Smith at the time over their young son. Police said the child was home at the time of the murder, but did not witness it. All three suspects are being held on bonds of two-million dollars each. They’re awaiting extradition to Waukesha County.

Tags: murder, conspiracy, custody