Murder charges filed

Cory Carlson faces life in prison for death of his roommate, Joseph Bonney

Cory C. Carlson, 37, of Medford is being held in Taylor County Jail on a $200,000 cash bond for the murder of Joseph B. Bonney, 61.

The two men were roommates at Almost Home Again, a mental health and AODA treatment facility located at N3531 Elder Dr in the town of Aurora. Bonney was found dead in his bed at the facility. Autopsy results indicated Bonney’s injuries were consistent with asphyxiation related to strangulation.

Carlson was in court on January 27 where Judge Ann Knox-Bauer ordered a $200,000 cash bond at the request of District Attorney Kristi Tlusty.

In asking for the high cash bond, Tlusty noted that Carlson is a flight risk. He is facing a first degree homicide charge and is essentially homeless since he will not be able to return to the facility where the crime occurred. The public defender, attorney Jessica Fehrenbach, representing Carlson did not object to the high bond amount at this time, noting Carlson did not have anywhere else to live right now.

Carlson was charged with first degree intentional homicide, this is a class A felony and if convicted Carlson faces life in prison. He was also charged with strangulation and suffocation, a case H felony, and if found guilty could face up to $10,000 in fines and up to six years in prison.

See MURDER on page 10 According to the criminal complaint, on January 14, at about 1:47 p.m., the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a staff member of Almost Home Again residential mental health facility. The staff member was requesting an ambulance for an unconscious and unresponsive subject. Gilman Ambulance were dispatched to the location along with Deputies Dylan Lindsley and Logan Swiantek. While deputies were responding, Gilman Ambulance arrived on scene at about 1:55 p.m. At approximately 2:09 p.m. Gilman Ambulance advised Taylor County Dispatch to notify a coroner respond to the scene for deceased subject. At approximately 2:34 p.m. Deputies Lindsley and Swiantek arrived at the scene and were informed that the victim was deceased. The deceased subject was identified to Deputy Lindsley by EMS personnel as Joseph B. Bonney.

Deputy Lindsley was directed to room # 3 where he was told Bonney was located and had been found. This was later confirmed to be Bonney’s room at the facility. Deputy Lindsley observed Bonney lying in the south bed of room #3 that was located at the northwest corner of the building. Bonney was laying on his back with his head to the west and feet to the east. Bonney was clothed and his shirt was pulled up on his abdominal area so that EMS could attach their leads to the sensors.

Bonney’s mouth was open, and his eyes were closed. The bedding appeared to have been folded back by EMS so that they could attach the leads.

At approximately 3:23 P.M., Taylor County Sheriff’s Office Detective Chad Kowalczyk arrived on scene. Detective Kowalczyk processed and examined the death scene. Detective Kowalczyk observed Bonney laying on his back with his hands at his sides on a twin sized bed located on the south wall of the room. Bonney’s head was supported by a pillow and his body partially covered with a blanket. His body appeared to be oriented in a normal sleeping fashion.

The report indicated the detective saw evidence of death by asphyxiation including recent bruising in a linear pattern near Joseph’s lower neck as well as similar, smaller bruises on the upper portion of the neck extending to the bottom of the chin where there was a recent abrasion.

Detective Kowalczyk noted that there were two small pieces of red licorice type candy, similar to “Twizzler” brand candy, on the nightstand directly next to the head of Joseph’s bed. The pieces appeared to have been broken off and one of the pieces appeared as if it had been chewed on. Detective Kowalczyk was informed by responding deputies that upon staff attending to Bonney, staff observed one of the pieces of candy was resting on Bonney’s lip partially in his mouth and the other piece

hese injuries were not only highly suspicious but were also consistent with asphyxiation related to manual strangulation.”

— Forensic Pathologist Jamie Kallan was in his hand. The candy was removed by a staff member who performed CPR on Bonney and placed the candy on the nightstand. Staff later confirmed this information and upon further discussion with staff they indicated they found it odd because they never saw Bonney eating candy before.

It was noted that asphyxiation deaths, especially those related to manual strangulation typically involve thrashing and/or a disturbed scene. The report states that Detective Kowalczyk found it odd that if Joseph had died of asphyxiation that there would a piece of candy still dangling on his lip.

In addition, the complaint indicated that it would be reasonable to believe if Bonney had died of asphyxiation due to strangulation he would have tried to defend himself. Based on this information and comparing it to the crime scene including Bonney’s body, there were suspicions that Bonney’s body and the crime scene could have been staged to make it appear that he died in his sleep or in a natural manner or accidental manner.

While Detective Kowalczyk was processing the scene he was informed that Bonney had a roommate at the facility by the name of Cory Carlson. Detective Kowalczyk was informed that Carlson was the individual who had initially found Joseph and reported his condition to staff. Detective Kowalczyk was told that just prior to the call, Carlson had been in the room with Bonney and then approached staff requesting that they check on Bonney, also stating that Bonney didn’t look too good.

According to the complaint, there had been recent issues with Carlson in the past few days related to his mental health. Detective Kowalczyk was provided with reports prepared by staff explaining these issues. The reports included at least five different incidents in the previous day or so. The reports indicated that Carlson has been displaying hallucinations. Carlson alleged that he had burnt his hand on a stove and stabbed his hand with a pencil. These injuries were later confirmed. Carlson had made numerous statements that he wanted to leave the facility to go to Norwood mental health institution. He made statements that he was having bad thoughts. Carlson was walking outside in subzero temperatures without a coat or shoes on against the advice of staff. In the early morning hours of January 14th, Carlson was heard hitting a table loudly in his room. Carlson told staff he was frustrated. He later said he did something and could not talk about it. Carlson was saying he was hearing voices and needed help.

Detective Kowalczyk was provided with a face sheet with Carlson’s background information and that he was diagnosed with Schizoaffective Disorder and Bi Polar Disorder.

Taylor County Medical Examiner Edward Miller had arrived on scene and examined Bonney’s body. Miller pronounced Bonney was deceased. Detective Kowalczyk briefed Miller on the information obtained. Miller had concerns regarding the observations of Bonney’s body, as well as the circumstances surrounding Bonney’s roommate, (Cory Carlson) and Carlson’s recent behavior related to Carlson’s mental health issues.

While processing the scene, Detective Kowalczyk observed that Carlson’s bedding, which included some sheets, a pillow, and a pair of wet jeans were balled up inside a blanket on his bed. Detective Kowalczyk noticed a few small stains on the pillow that resembled dried blood. There was another larger stain on the pillow that had a brighter red tint which was consistent with fresh blood. The pillow was later collected as evidence. Detective Kowalczyk was then told that Carlson had just been in an altercation minutes ago with another resident since they moved all the residents to an adjoining building. Detective Kowalczyk was told that Carlson attacked the resident unprovoked, and it was broken up by staff. The supervisor of the facility, Andie Ellis, requested a mental health assessment on Carlson by Taylor County Human Services. Detective Kowalczyk then spoke with facility staff members whom were present during the time of the incident. All interviews were conducted separately.

The staff members informed Detective Kowalczyk that at about 12:15 pm on January 14, Bonney had gone outside to have a cigarette. Approximately 10-15 minutes later, he came back inside, returned his lighter and made his way towards his room. Detective Kowalczyk was advised Carlson would have been in the room periodically from the time Bonney returned to his room, until the time Carlson reported Bonney’s condition to staff. There was no direct supervision while both men were in their room during this timeframe. Carlson then attended a group therapy session in the commons area at about 1 p.m., which Bonney did not attend. It was common for Bonney to not attend the group session and that Bonney would typically lay down and sleep in his bed in his room. The group session concluded at about 1:18 pm. Carlson would have returned to his room shortly thereafter.

At about 1:30 p.m., Carlson was given a vacuum to clean his room and took the vacuum and returned to the room. At about 1:45 p.m. Carlson approached staff in the office area and asked that they check on Bonney. Carlson made a comment that Bonney was eating Twizzlers and fell asleep. Carlson told staff that Bonney did not look too good. The staff member advised that Carlson seemed anxious during this time. Staff then went to the room and assessed Bonney. Bonney had no vital signs and appeared to be deceased. A staff member began CPR and Gilman Ambulance was notified.

The staff member told Detective Kowalczyk that Bonney had a piece of Twizzler candy in his hand and one piece in his mouth which was removed and placed on the table while attempting CPR.

Another staff member told the detective that after ambulance arrived, she went in the living room area where Carlson was located to see if he was alright. Carlson said he was struggling with some things. When she asked if he wanted to talk about it, she told the detective that Carlson laughed and made a comment about how he thought about going back to the room to eat some of Joe’s Twizzlers.

The staff member said she was certain that no other residents had been in Bonney and Carlson’s room before or after the incident. There was a clear understanding that residents were not allowed to go into other resident’s rooms.

Taylor County Human Services Crisis Intervention worker Don Everhard arrived on scene and spoke with Carlson. Andie Ellis was also present and Detective Kowalczyk joined in on the conversation a short time later. Carlson was asked about his relationship with Bonney. Carlson denied there were any issues and that he liked Bonney. Carlson was asked if Bonney had any recent

See CARLSON on page 11 medical complaints or physical ailments that he thought may be related to Bonney’s death. Carlson told them no. Carlson acknowledged he was in his room during the time frame surrounding Bonney’s death. He made statements that he thought he took a nap on his bed during this time, but couldn’t provide details and wasn’t certain. At some point Carlson woke up and saw Bonney had something in his mouth like a piece of candy.

According to the report he told officers he thought Bonney was sleeping. Carlson was asked if he shook Bonney or anything to wake him up. He stated he did not, but he immediately checked for a pulse on his neck.

Carlson stated he at some point saw Bonney was not looking too good and reported it to staff. Carlson told staff, “I think something happened.” Carlson was asked what he thought happened to Bonney.

Carlson stated he really didn’t know but thought that Bonney may have choked himself, because Bonney thought he was never going to get out of this place. Carlson was asked how he was feeling after all of this. According to the report, he said he was fine. Carlson stated he felt great.

According to the complaint, Carlson made a comment referencing Bonney’s death saying, “I don’t know what happened to the crazy bastard, but he was eating candy laying down.”

Carlson was asked about the altercation with the other resident. Carlson alleged that the resident called him a “s###licker.” Andie confronted Carlson, telling Carlson that the resident was mostly quiet so she did not believe the resident would say that. Carlson acknowledged the resident may not have said that and that the voices in his head may have told him that.

Upon reviewing Taylor County Sheriff’s Office records, Detective Kowalczyk obtained additional information about Cory Carlson from an incident which occurred on October 13, 2023. This incident involved a welfare check on Carlson by the Medford Police Department in which Carlson was reported to be threatening to murder and kill people.

Upon the arrival of responding officers, they documented that Carlson was sweating profusely, rocking back and forth, repeatedly and yelling, “I’ll murder, I’ll kill, I will myself from pedophiles.” It described by officers that Carlson was in a “manic state.” Carlson was subsequently placed under an emergency mental health detention.

On January 15, Bonney’s body was taken for a forensic autopsy at UW Health in Madison. Forensic Pathologist Jamie Kallan conducted the autopsy. Dr. Kallan confirmed the presence of petechiae on the eyelids of the body. Also, more pronounced bruising along with abrasions could be seen in the area of Bonney’s neck, chin, and lips. Hemorrhaging was observed in the muscles and soft tissue of the neck including around the thyroid cartilage, and the trachea.

According to the complaint, the pathologist noted “that these injuries were not only highly suspicious but were also consistent with asphyxiation related to manual strangulation.”

In addition, Bonney’s stomach contents did not include anything that resembled licorice or Twizzlers brand type candy. Furthermore, there were no obstructions to include candy or food items found in his airway. There were no competing causes of death noted.

On January 15th, Carlson was transported to Aspirus Hospital for medical clearance to be transported to Winnebago mental health institution. During this time, a search warrant was prepared to obtain Carlson’s DNA. The warrant was granted and signed by Taylor County Court Commissioner William Grunewald. SANE Nurse Amy Riegert then obtained a Medical Forensic Evidence Collection Kit of Cory Carlson. Prior to obtaining the kit, Riegert asked Carlson to consent to the kit and informed him it was for law enforcement evidence collection purposes. He consented to the collection kit. During the exam recent scratches were observed on Carlson’s back right shoulder and lower left side of his back. Some of the scratches had broken the skin.

On January 15, Detective Kowalczyk conducted an interview of Carlson at the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office. Carlson was read his Miranda Rights and waiver. Cory indicated he understood his rights and would talk. Carlson signed a form waiving his rights.

According to the complaint, Carlson could not provide detailed information about what he did on the day of Bonney’s death. Carlson was questioned particularly about Bonney’s death and Carlson’s involvement. Carlson was asked if it was possible, he did something to Bonney.

According to the complaint “He replied no, but then stated possibly. Cory repeatedly stated that he really couldn’t remember details about it. Detective Kowalczyk asked Cory if he felt remorse. He stated he did and then asked if he could tell Detective Kowalczyk the truth. Detective Kowalczyk told him yes. He said he was hearing voices. He couldn’t believe he listened to them but he did. Detective Kowalczyk asked what they were telling him. He replied they were telling him to do stupid shit. He said he didn’t remember exactly what he did though. He said he was a Schizophrenic and was having delusions at the time and didn’t know what was going on. He stated that then he realized he was really doing “that shit.” Detective Kowalczyk asked what he did and if it involved Joe. He stated possibly but he didn’t remember. Cory stated that if he did it, then he didn’t realize that he did it.”

A pretrial conference is set for February 28, at 9:15 a.m. A status hearing and possible preliminary hearing is set for April 11 at 2 p.m.