Two WI Men Abducted/Tortured By Edward Lanphear

While we do have a thread in the Missing section about this...I think we should have one here to line out more of where he could fit into other cases.

Here is the original thread on him: http://www.websleuths.com/forums/showthread.php?t=67133

I think he may be a lone case; unless he is connected to a group of some sort of others that are like him. Hopefully LE goes through his computer and can dig out something.

http://www.wisconsinrapidstribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080721/WRT0101/807210500

Lack of signs has some wondering about case
Expert: No set profile for someone who commits sexual crimes

There are no easy answers to why a person might kidnap and assault two young men, as a Saratoga man is accused of doing, an expert said

Many who know Edward J. Lanphear, 46, from social settings, such as pool tournaments, said there was nothing about him that caused concern.

"Ed Lanphear was just like anyone else in the bar," said Tom Striegel, owner of Hollyrock's in downtown Wisconsin Rapids.

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Spooky comments from acquaintances of Lanphears.

One person said they'd waited on him at least 100 times. They were a cashier at local gas station convenience store. He was quiet and Lanphear seemed uncomfortable to talk to them. Brought up the saying about 'it's the quiet one's to watch.'

ANother poster said they'd known him since 3rd grade. He was strange and there were 'two sides of Eddie.'



fran

http://www.wisconsinrapidstribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080721/WRT0101/807210500

http://www.wausaudailyherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080721/WDH0101/807210574

Expert: No set profile or easy answers in sex crimes

...............snip..................

According to court documents, Lanphear abducted two men, a 21-year-old and a 23-year-old, and held them prisoner in his home. Each was beaten and sexually assaulted before the 21-year-old escaped and sought help, which led to the rescue of the older man, authorities said. Lanphear faces 12 felony charges in the case. He has no criminal convictions in Wisconsin, according to online state court records.

The lack of any previous signs of trouble has some wondering how Lanphear could have been involved in such a shocking crime.

Whether the alleged act was random is just one of many questions that have been asked and are waiting to be answered.

People who commit sex crimes are often opportunistic, said Dr. Charles M. Lodl of In Focus Counseling in Mequon
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http://www.thenorthwestern.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080721/MNH0101/80721044

Lack of signs has some wondering about Rapids adbuction case

...............snip.................

"Clearly, as shocking as that behavior always is, as that behavior is disclosed, people have to step back and let the law officials investigate it. As others become involved, a sense of how this could happen becomes clear."

Lodl said there is no profile checklist for someone who might commit sexual crimes like what allegedly occurred in Saratoga.

"It really is a set of individual factors that you are looking at that kind of come together. That is why this behavior is so shocking," he said.

"I guess if we had those kind of characteristics down, we'd be way ahead of the game at this point."

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http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080721/GPG0101/807210537

Rumors keep spreading in Lanphear case
Victim's mother, police ask those in the community to stop speculating


....................snip...................

In a recent interview with the Daily Tribune, the mother of the 21-year-old man encouraged local residents to not spread information they don't know is true or accurate.

"Stop the gossip and rumors, and wait until the facts can come out, because they will," she said.

Despite her plea, which was echoed by law enforcement officials, many in the community continue to speculate about the case.

.......................snip.....................

Other rumors said Lanphear owned a residence in the La Crosse area, where nine male college students in their 20s died of drowning in the past 11 years.

Capt. Rob Abraham of the La Crosse Police Department said the incidents are nothing like what allegedly occurred in the Lanphear case.

"What we had were accidental drownings," he said, "and this is a kidnapping; this was an abduction."

A Daily Tribune online search of La Crosse County land records, dating back to 1987, yielded no results for Lanphear's name. Searches of similar online records in nearby Trempealeau, Jackson and Monroe counties also came up empty.


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fran said:

http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080721/GPG0101/807210537

Rumors keep spreading in Lanphear case
Victim's mother, police ask those in the community to stop speculating


....................snip...................

In a recent interview with the Daily Tribune, the mother of the 21-year-old man encouraged local residents to not spread information they don't know is true or accurate.

"Stop the gossip and rumors, and wait until the facts can come out, because they will," she said.

Despite her plea, which was echoed by law enforcement officials, many in the community continue to speculate about the case.

.......................snip.....................

Other rumors said Lanphear owned a residence in the La Crosse area, where nine male college students in their 20s died of drowning in the past 11 years.

Capt. Rob Abraham of the La Crosse Police Department said the incidents are nothing like what allegedly occurred in the Lanphear case.

"What we had were accidental drownings," he said, "and this is a kidnapping; this was an abduction."

A Daily Tribune online search of La Crosse County land records, dating back to 1987, yielded no results for Lanphear's name. Searches of similar online records in nearby Trempealeau, Jackson and Monroe counties also came up empty.


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Click to expand...

Search yielded no results--and so what? It almost seems as if Lamphear is being protected not the victims. So I say get going with the thinking (speculation) people and get some justice for any and all victims.

concentric said:

Search yielded no results--and so what? It almost seems as if Lamphear is being protected not the victims. So I say get going with the thinking (speculation) people and get some justice for any and all victims.

Click to expand...

Several of us at Websleuths have been watching this case for years. This is the same thing that's happened before, the case heats up and suddenly, *zilch*....until the next time.

It's summer,not much happening now. Probably not until September or so. Not til school is back in session.

Of course, there's always the occasional disappearance of someone who's remained on camus through summer. I guess only time will tell if this year it's going to happen.

Seems LE isn't saying anything. The detectives have pretty well disappeared from public view. I would imagine they're working on the case, just not telling anyone what?????

IF something comes up, bring it on over here. Until then,........

JMHO
fran

fran said:

Several of us at Websleuths have been watching this case for years. This is the same thing that's happened before, the case heats up and suddenly, *zilch*....until the next time.

It's summer,not much happening now. Probably not until September or so. Not til school is back in session.

Of course, there's always the occasional disappearance of someone who's remained on camus through summer. I guess only time will tell if this year it's going to happen.

Seems LE isn't saying anything. The detectives have pretty well disappeared from public view. I would imagine they're working on the case, just not telling anyone what?????

IF something comes up, bring it on over here. Until then,........

JMHO
fran

Click to expand...

I agree with you, Fran. In all honesty, LE is not going to put out anything on Lamphear unless there is *complete* evidence that leans them towards this guy. I do not see them protecting Lamphear, but being clear during this investigation that he has had anything to do with any of these young male victims. They would be doing a disservice to the victims, not the other way around.

I would hate to see any other crime occur in the Fall. Perhaps they do know more and will be out in force/undercover? Who knows. But, we can hope for a positive, can't we.

Here's some updates on Lanphear. I don't know if he's connected to any of the 'smiley face' cases, but I think we should keep an eye on his progress through the justice system. At least until there's no further action to be determined. I would hope LE is still looking at him with regard to other cases. If for nothing than to rule him OUT.

JMHO
fran

http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080731/GPG0101/80731056
Not-guilty pleas entered for Rapids abduction suspect; with photos

July 31, 2008

WISCONSIN RAPIDS &#8212; A Wood County judge today entered not-guilty pleas for a paper mill worker accused of abducting and sexually assaulting two young men he held captive at his home.

Judge Edward Zappan entered the pleas after Edward Lanphear stood mute.

Lanphear, 46, of the town of Saratoga, is charged with 13 felonies &#8212; two counts of kidnapping, five counts of first-degree sexual assault, first-degree reckless endangerment, two counts of false imprisonment, two counts of substantial battery and impersonating a peace officer.

The single father who authorities say worked at a Wisconsin Rapids paper mill for more than 20 years before his arrest in early July remains in jail on $1 million bond.

The two men testified during the preliminary hearing, saying Lanphear kidnapped them and kept them chained naked in his rural

http://www.wisconsinrapidstribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080731/WRT0101/80731164

July 31, 2008

Victim’s family endures court process

Note: The Daily Tribune is withholding the name of the 23-year-old Grand Rapids man and the name of his mother, due to the nature of the crimes allegedly committed against him.

To the mother of a 23-year-old Grand Rapids man who was allegedly kidnapped following the Wisconsin Rapids Fourth of July fireworks show, Thursday’s court hearing was another step closer to a resolution for her family.

But she said it is a very stressful time.

“We’re just glad that this part of it is over, and we’re just sticking together as a family,” she said.

Edward Lanphear, 46, had 12 not guilty pleas entered for by Wood County Circuit Court Judge Edward Zappen Jr. during Lanphear’s preliminary hearing.

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http://www.wisconsinrapidstribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080813/WRT0101/808130685

Officials want to confiscate suspect's truck

Wood County authorities have begun procedures to seize the vehicle of a 46-year-old Saratoga man charged with the abduction and assault of two men.

Edward J. Lanphear has 20 days to respond to documents filed Aug. 7 by Wood County District Attorney Todd Wolf. A hearing is scheduled for Aug. 25 for a temporary injunction to keep Lanphear from selling or transferring the title of his 1999 Ford F-150.

State statutes allow officials to seize any vehicle used to transport property or weapons used in the commission of a felony, according to the court documents. Lanphear used his pickup to transport items used in the kidnapping of a then-21-year-old Wisconsin Rapids man, the documents said.

On Tuesday, court officials granted a request made by Lanphear's attorney, Gary Kryshak, for a substitute for Wood County Circuit Court Judge Edward Zappen Jr.; the case was transferred to Wood County Circuit Court Judge Greg Potter.

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http://www.wausaudailyherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080813/WDH0101/808130724

August 13, 2008

Wood Co. wants to seize abduction suspect's truck

.....................snip.....................

Edward J. Lanphear has 20 days to respond to documents filed Aug. 7 by Wood County District Attorney Todd Wolf. A hearing is scheduled for Aug. 25 for a temporary injunction to keep Lanphear from selling or transferring the title of his 1999 Ford F-150.

State statutes allow officials to seize any vehicle used to transport property or weapons used in the commission of a felony, according to the court documents. Lanphear used his pickup to transport items used in the kidnapping of a then-21-year-old Wisconsin Rapids man, the documents said.

On Tuesday, court officials granted a request made by Lanphear's attorney, Gary Kryshak, for a substitute for Wood County Circuit Court Judge Edward Zappen Jr.; the case was transferred to Wood County Circuit Court Judge Greg Potter.

Lanphear faces 13 felony charges with a combined maximum prison sentence of more than 400 years if he is convicted. The charges are two counts of kidnapping, five counts of first-degree sexual assault, one count of first-degree reckless endangerment, two counts of false imprisonment, two counts of substantial battery and one count of impersonating a police officer.

According to court documents, Lanphear offered a 23-year-old Grand Rapids man a ride home after the Fourth of July fireworks in Wisconsin Rapids. Pretending to a be a Grand Rapids officer, Lanphear put handcuffs on the man and then hit him on the back of the head when one of the handcuffs came loose.

Lanphear took the 23-year-old to Lanphear's Saratoga residence, where he kept the man chained, sexually assaulted him and pointed a gun at him, according to court records.

On the morning of July 8, Lanphear abducted the 21-year-old Wisconsin Rapids man, took the man to his home in Saratoga and physically and sexually assaulted him, according to court documents. The man was able to escape and call for help for himself and the 23-year-old man, who was being held in Lanphear's basement.

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http://www.wisconsinrapidstribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080801/WRT0101/808010596

Victims tell details of captivity
Men testify against abduction suspect; Lanphear bound over for trial

.................snip....................

A 23-year-old Grand Rapids man was the first to take the stand during Lanphear's preliminary hearing Thursday in a courtroom half filled with media and family members. Zappen granted a request to have the general public -- about five people -- removed.

Walking home from downtown Wisconsin Rapids the night of July 4 after a friend got sick, the 23-year-old was resting on a curb when Lanphear stopped and asked him if he wanted a ride, the Grand Rapids man testified.

Later, Lanphear pulled over his pickup truck, told his passenger he was a Grand Rapids police officer, then placed handcuffs on the Grand Rapids man, the 23-year-old said. He testified that he remembers one of his hands coming free before Lanphear struck him on the back of the head.

When the 23-year-old awoke, he was facedown on a ladder that was flat on the floor. His wrists, ankles and midsection were chained to the ladder. The 23-year-old said Lanphear then sexually assaulted him.

"I didn't resist because I didn't want to be harmed," the 23-year-old said. "I was struck once already, and I didn't want to have that happen again."

The Grand Rapids man said he was scared and confused during the ordeal.

At one point, Lanphear said he had to go to work, the 23-year-old said. The 23-year-old, who was blindfolded during most of his captivity, felt an object on his face that Lanphear said was a shotgun shell and then what Lanphear said was a shotgun. He heard the shell placed into the weapon, and then a noise that sounded like a .22-caliber gun going off. The 23-year-old said Lanphear did it to prove he was serious.

Lanphear told the 23-year-old if he tried to escape, he wouldn't like the results because a string was tied from the gun to a chain placed around his neck, the alleged victim testified.

The 23-year-old, who lost track of time while he was captive, said he spent much of his captivity chained to rectangular metal pipes on the floor in the basement near a mattress.

Lanphear did take the 23-year-old upstairs for breakfast and fed him scrambled eggs. The first bite was bitter, the Grand Rapids man testified, but subsequent bites tasted better.

Four days after the 23-year-old disappeared, Lanphear released him from his chains. The Grand Rapids man said he sensed a change in Lanphear and asked what was happening. Lanphear responded that police had arrived.

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http://www.thenorthwestern.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080801/MNH0101/808010707

Video: Men testify against abduction suspect

...................snip.........................

When a 22-year-old Wisconsin Rapids man testified, he said he was asleep in his pickup behind Johnny's Bar in Wisconsin Rapids when a dark cloth, possibly a pillowcase, was placed over his head. Lanphear also told the 22-year-old, who was 21 at the time of the incident, that Lanphear was a police officer.

The 22-year-old was taken to a house and chained to a ladder.

"I realized that it wasn't an officer; I was actually at somebody's house, so I started to fight against him," the 22-year-old said.

When the Wisconsin Rapids man resisted, Lanphear struck him twice on the left side of his face, causing multiple fractures.

Lanphear took the 22-year-old into the living room, had him drink what Lanphear said was vodka and orange juice, then placed him on the floor and sexually assaulted him, the 22-year-old said.

The 22-year-old was taken to the garage and lain on a blanket, he said. When he awoke, the 22-year-old peaked under his blindfold and saw Lanphear on a ladder. He then saw a chain drop from the ceiling and asked Lanphear whether he planned to hang the 22-year-old.

Lanphear chained the 22-year-old in a standing position to the chain attached to the ceiling. The 22-year-old said he asked Lanphear not to chain his feet and Lanphear complied. The Wisconsin Rapids man then convinced Lanphear to go to a store to get the 22-year-old cigarettes. When Lanphear left in his vehicle, the 22-year-old was able to move his blindfold to see, pull the ladder over with his foot, and climb up and remove the chain from the ceiling. He then ran for help.

....................full article at link..................

http://www.wisconsinrapidstribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080731/WRT0101/80731107

2:38 p.m.: Lanphear hearing blog

2:38 p.m.
Keith left the witness stand. There are no more witnesses today.

Zappen just determined there is probable cause to believe Lanphear has committed crimes, including battery, sexual assault, and false imprisonment. Zappen is currently going through the charges and explaining what they mean

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http://www.wbay.com/global/story.asp?s=8831554

New judge in case of man accused of abducting men

WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. (AP) - A new judge has been assigned in the case of a paper mill worker accused of abducting and sexually assaulting two young men that were chained at his home.

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http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/local//301433

August 19, 2008

Wood County sex assault suspect no longer person of interest in Brittany Zimmerman homicide

A man accused of abducting and sexually assaulting two men in Wood County is no longer high on the list of suspects in the Brittany Zimmermann homicide, Madison police confirmed Tuesday.

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I don't believe Lanphear is responsible for the other deaths we've been discussing. He chained and sexually assaulted his victims and, as far as I've read, I haven't heard of any of the drowning victims having an evidence of sexual assault or marks from being chained up.