PRESS RELEASE
March 1, 2010
Chippewa Falls Police Department-Interim Chief John Liddell

At this time I would like to provide you with an update on what has taken place in the homicide investigation of Jason Grau since our press release last Friday. Some of this information you have already received, but I want to recap so everyone has the same information.

Late Friday afternoon investigators developed information that led them to believe that evidence of Jason’s death was at the residence at 36E Elm St. A search warrant was obtained for that residence and for evidence on the person of Shane Hawkins. At approximately 8:45 pm Friday night the search warrant was executed with the assistance of the Combined Emergency Response Team. During the execution of the search warrant Shane Hawkins was taken into custody and was subsequently charged with hiding a corpse. The Wisconsin Crime Lab was contacted and responded to process the crime scene.

Based on evidence found at 36 E Elm St and information developed by investigators we have determined that Jason was murdered at 36 E. Elm St by Shane Hawkins. Shane Hawkins then placed Jason’s body in a vehicle owned by Shane Hawkins and transported it to the location along the Chippewa River where it was discovered on Wednesday February 24th. Based on evidence developed during the course of this investigation we intend to refer to the Chippewa County District Attorney’s Office charges against Shane Hawkins of 1st degree intentional homicide and hiding a corpse.

Jason Grau died as a result of multiple stab wounds. The investigation at this point indicates that Shane Hawkins acted alone in the killing of Jason Grau and the hiding of his body. Shane Hawkins is expected to appear in court for a bond hearing at about 10:30 am today.

The family of Jason Grau has been notified of the new developments in the case.

Over the next several days investigators will continue to follow-up on information that has been provided. I want to thank the citizens who have provided information in regards to this case. Investigators still would like to hear from anyone that may have information pertaining to Jason’s murder.

I want to take a moment to acknowledge the agencies that have responded to this crime and provided assistance since the last press conference:

Sworn and civilian staff of the Chippewa Falls Police Department
Wisconsin Department of Justice/ Division of Criminal Investigation
Wisconsin Justice Crime Lab
Wisconsin State Patrol / Technical Reconstruction Unit
Chippewa County Coroners Office
Chippewa County District Attorney
Chippewa County Sheriff’s Department
Wisconsin Department of Corrections/ Division of Probation and Parole Chippewa Falls Office
Eau Claire Police Department
University of Wisconsin Eau Claire
Chippewa Falls Street Department