Crime · Marathon County
Neighbor Admits Killing 13 Goats in Marathon County Dispute; Court Date Nov. 18
Marathon County deputies say Eric Seelow of Eau Pleine, Wisconsin, admitted to shooting and running over his neighbor Dean Ress's goats with a four-wheeler in October 2024 during a dispute over a shared fence. Court records show 13 goats died; investigators have evidence supporting charges for four deaths, including felony and misdemeanor counts carrying up to 14 years in prison. Seelow told deputies he needed to "confess his sins" following a conversation with his pastor this summer. His initial court appearance is set for Nov. 18. Ress remains on house arrest following a physical conflict with Seelow after the goats died.