Suspect in Devil's Lake homicide still at large; officials ask public for help

SAUK COUNTY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Sauk County law enforcement gave an update Wednesday, Nov. 11, on the death of a Wauwatosa man in Devil's Lake State Park last month.

Authorities believe 24-year-old John Craig Schmutzer was attacked by a stranger while hiking alone at the park.

At Wednesday's press conference, the sheriff's office said the individual who committed this crime likely suffered a traumatic event that triggered the incident, and may be suffering from a severe emotional or mental illness. 

"We're also concerned that the person who stabbed him may be a danger to himself or others," Lt. Christopher Zunker said. "He may be exhibiting signs of instability as the results of a stressful life event. The impact of this event may be complicated by mental health challenges, drug abuse, alcohol abuse or some combination thereof."

Detectives stressed the importance of community tips. 

If you have any information or may know someone who is exhibiting these behaviors and was in the area at the time, please contact the Sauk County Sheriff's Office or Sauk County Crime Stoppers.