UPDATE: Death Investigations in Marinette County
October 29, 2020
MARINETTE, Wis. – Two deaths occurred in Goodman, Wis. on the evening of Friday, October 23, 2020. The first death is being investigated by the Marinette County Sheriff’s Office as a homicide. The second death is being investigated by the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) as an officer involved shooting resulting in a death (OID).
This incident was an isolated incident, is contained, and the public is not at risk.
Around 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 23, 2020, the Marinette County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a possible homicide and location of a suspect at a residence in Goodman, Wis. Law enforcement responded to the residence and the suspect fled the home by vehicle. In the home was one male victim, Richard Gibbs, age 62 of Milwaukee, deceased. Law enforcement followed the fleeing suspect as he fled the home. The vehicle came to a stop, the individual exited the vehicle and pointed a firearm at law enforcement. Law enforcement fired at and struck the individual. The individual, John Lipski, age 62 of Milwaukee, succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Law enforcement have confirmed that Mr. Gibbs and Mr. Lipski were known to each other. Mr Gibbs died of a gunshot wound, and Mr. Lipski did perpetrate the murder of Mr. Gibbs.
No law enforcement personnel were injured during the incident.
The involved law enforcement from the Marinette County Sheriff’s Office have been placed on administrative assignment, per department policy. The involved officers are:
- Lieutenant Barry Degnitz, 27 years in law enforcement
- Deputy Sheriff Jesse Parker, 19 years in law enforcement
- Deputy Sheriff Patrick Callahan, 4 years in law enforcement
- Deputy Sheriff Dave Oginski, 15 years in law enforcement
- Deputy Sheriff Steve Schmidt, 12 years in law enforcement
The Marinette County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of the first deceased male.
DCI is investigating the officer involved shooting that resulted in the death of the second deceased male. All involved law enforcement are fully cooperating with DCI during this investigation. DCI is continuing to review evidence and determine the facts of this incident and will turn over investigative reports to the Marinette County District Attorney when the investigation concludes.
Also assisting in these investigations are Marinette County District Attorney, Marinette County Medical Examiner, Goodman Fire and Rescue, Florence County Sheriff’s Office, Forest County Sheriff’s Office, Marinette Police Department, Wisconsin State Patrol, DOJ Office of Crime Victim Services, and the Wisconsin State Crime Laboratories.
The investigations are ongoing and no further information is currently available. Further information will be released when it becomes available.
Please direct all media inquiries to Wisconsin DOJ.
Press release: https://www.doj.state.wi.us/news-releases/update-death-investigations-marinette-county
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
Mentioned in This Press Release
Recent Press Releases by Josh Kaul
Wisconsin DOJ Hosts First Fire Investigation Course
Aug 26th, 2021 by Josh Kaul“This course provides investigators with training and accreditation, bringing expertise in fire investigations to more communities and helping to protect public safety,” said Attorney General Kaul.
AG Kaul Issues Update on Statewide Inquiry into Clergy and Faith Leader Abuse
Jul 13th, 2021 by Josh KaulSurvivors are still encouraged to report abuse at SupportSurvivors.widoj.gov or by calling 1-877-222-2620
