New London, Wisconsin — A Wisconsin man is facing multiple felony charges after investigators say he fatally stabbed his mother, allegedly covered her head with cat litter, and then set fire to their apartment in what authorities describe as a deliberate attempt to destroy evidence.
The disturbing incident has shocked the small community of New London and comes just months after the suspect was charged in another violent case involving the same victim.
Firefighters Discovered Woman Dead Inside Burning Apartment
Emergency crews responded to reports of an apartment fire on Sunday at a residential building in New London, located about 40 miles west of Green Bay.
According to investigators, firefighters arrived to find smoke coming from a fifth-floor apartment. After entering the unit, they extinguished three separate fires before discovering an unresponsive woman lying on a bed.
Authorities said the victim had suffered multiple stab wounds to the neck. Investigators also alleged that cat litter had been poured over her head, while a fire had been started on the bed between her legs.
The woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police Identify Son as Suspect
Investigators reviewed surveillance footage from the apartment building and said it showed 39-year-old Rodolfo Gonzalez, who reportedly lived with his mother, entering the apartment while carrying what appeared to be a book around the time the fire began.
Several hours later, officers located Gonzalez sitting on a bench near an elementary school.
Police said they attempted to arrest him, but he allegedly resisted officers, forcing authorities to restrain him using leg shackles.
According to investigators, officers recovered two lighters and a Bible from Gonzalez at the time of his arrest.
He has since been charged with:
- First-degree intentional homicide
- Arson
- First-degree recklessly endangering safety
- Mutilating a corpse
- Resisting an officer
Authorities have not released the victim’s identity.
Autopsy Revealed Victim Died Before Fire Started
An autopsy determined that the woman died from multiple sharp-force injuries to her neck, according to the criminal complaint.
Investigators said forensic findings indicated she was already deceased before the fires were set. Officials reported there was no soot in her lungs and no carbon monoxide detected in her blood, suggesting she did not inhale smoke during the blaze.
Detectives believe the fire was started after the killing, though authorities have not disclosed a possible motive.
Earlier Attempted Murder Case Involved Same Victim
Court records indicate Gonzalez was already facing attempted murder charges connected to another violent incident involving his mother in February.
According to local reports, he had previously been found incompetent to stand trial in that earlier criminal case.
Authorities have not said whether the previous case influenced Sunday’s events, but investigators noted the connection in the criminal complaint.
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Suspect Held on $1 Million Bond
Gonzalez remains in the Waupaca County Jail, where he is being held on a $1 million bond. His next scheduled court appearance is set for Aug. 4, when the case is expected to move forward.
The investigation into the homicide remains ongoing as prosecutors prepare formal proceedings against the defendant.
What are your thoughts on this case? Should violent offenders facing serious charges receive additional monitoring when the alleged victim remains in the same household? Share your opinion in the comments below.
