Murder suspect's father questioned
MILTON — The father of murder suspect Kyle E. Hicke was taken into custody Wednesday after allegedly making threats regarding a child welfare investigation.
At 8:15 a.m. Wednesday, Milton police officers and Rock County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a weapons complaint at 108 Forest Lake Drive, Milton, the home of Steven B. Hicke.
Steven Hicke, 62, is the father of Kyle Hicke, 37, who was arrested on charges of first-degree intentional homicide, first-degree reckless endangerment, possession of a firearm by a felon and attempting to flee or elude an officer in the April 22 death of Erica M. Ostenson, 25, of 4122 S. Academy St., Janesville.
At the time of Ostenson's death, the younger Hicke was living with his father.
Milton police received an anonymous tip that Steven Hicke had said he might "take matters into his own hands" if a child welfare investigation did not go his way, said Milton Police Chief Jerry Schuetz.
Schuetz would not say who the child was or if the child was related to Steven or Kyle Hicke.
During the incident, Milton West Elementary School was locked down, Schuetz said. All exterior doors were secured, but classes remained in session. The school remained locked down until about 9:45 a.m.
Schuetz would not say if the minor in question was at the school at the time.
Steven Hicke agreed to a search of his home, and police found a small quantity of illegal drugs believed to be marijuana and a handgun.
This is the second time police have found guns in Steven Hicke's home. The Milton Police Department helped Janesville police carry out a search warrant April 22, just after Ostenson died, Schuetz said.
"During that search, guns were removed that belonged to Steven Hicke," Schuetz said.
Steven Hicke was convicted of battery to a police officer in 1978. Convicted felons are not allowed to have guns.
About five guns were found during the first search, Schuetz said.
Hicke wasn't arrested at that time because of "custodial issues regarding the guardianship of a minor," Schuetz said.
Schuetz could not say if the minor in question was still in the home, but he added: "Appropriate decisions have been taken to ensure the safety of any children involved in this incident."
Police reports regarding Wednesday's incident have been forwarded to the Rock County District Attorney's office for charging decisions. Steven Hicke was released from custody.
Kyle Hicke, meanwhile, is being held in Rock County Jail on $1 million cash bond. He is scheduled to appear in court May 27.
