Benjamin Larson Makes Initial Appearance in Fond du Lac

Benjamin C. Larson appeared before the Honorable Douglas Edelstein on Wednesday, Sept. 2 at 11 a.m.

Today Benjamin C. Larson was charged with Felony Bail Jumping, Obstructing an Officer and three counts of Receiving Stolen Property (> $2500 - $5000). His bond is now set at $250,000 cash. This was his initial appearance with his next appearance set for Friday, Sept. 4 at 9:30 a.m. in front of Judge Edelstein.

The case is currently being investigated by the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office with help from the Madison Police Department regarding the separate case charged in Dane County. District Attorney Eric Toney is prosecuting this case.

In a criminal complaint from the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office more information regarding the findings in Larson’s home was released.

“During a search of the main portion of the basement of the residence Detective Tikkanen observed arrow heads, pottery and tools displayed. Detective Tikkanen also observed shrines to nationally known serial killers, including Ed Gein. The Defendant’s wife informed Detective Tikkanen that the Defendant was obsessed with Ed Gein,” the court document said.

Interview with Defendant’s Wife and Mother

Detective Tikkanen had an interview with the defendant’s wife who made note that he was a “big fan” of poisons. She stated that she lived in the house with Larson since 2008 and was aware of the skulls and bones in the basement. However she wasn’t aware of their origins. The release said “She also stated that she knew the human remains found in the casket were not all from the same person because the skeleton was incomplete when the Defendant received them.”

Within the court document, an interview with the defendant’s mother revealed that she was only able to give an explanation for the human remains in the coffin. She said that it came from the Defendant’s great-great-Grandfather, who was a physician. She wasn’t able to give an explanation for any of the other human remains recovered.

The human remains have also had some evaluation done to them according to the court document. Doctor Jordan Karsten believes that the human remains were likely obtained illegally. “Dr. Karsten spoke with Detective Tikkanen after evaluating the human remains provided to her from the Defendant’s residence. Dr. Karsten advised that three of the skulls were determined to be archeological Native American remains. He stated the remaining skulls would require further evaluation and testing. Dr. Karsten also advised that a femur and humerus collected from the Defendant’s residence appeared to have soft tissue and bodily type substances still present on them. Dr. Karsten believed these human remains were much more modern and could not be archeological Native American remains. Dr. Karsten also identified a tooth within one of the skulls that appeared to have a modern filling and that would require further evaluation,” said the document.

Interview of Benjamin C. Larson

In an interview on Monday, Aug. 31  that Detective Tikkanen had with Benjamin C. Larson, he provided more information. After the interview, Larson was taken into custody.

One of the skulls Larson claimed to have gotten many years ago as a family heirloom. There is a photo of him with that skull. Larson believes this photo is from 1991.

The defendant also claimed he found some remains buried on “Potawatomi Community land in Fond du Lac County.” Larson said that he went to the Tribal land with his mother to “pay respects” for the remains he found previously. Then he admitted to “slightly” digging into the ground at the site.

This investigation is still ongoing and all defendants are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty.

District Attorney Toney stated, “This investigation is beyond disturbing and remains an active investigation. Anyone with additional details is asked to contact Detective Tyler Tikkanen with the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office at 920-906-4777.”