DOJ: 21-year-old son accused of killing mother in Avoca homicide

AVOCA, Wis. (WMTV) - A 21-year-old man has been identified as the suspect in the killing of his mother at an Iowa Co. home earlier this week.

On Wednesday, the Wisconsin Dept. of Justice stated Sean Pickett was arrested in connection with the homicide and had his initial court appearance on Wednesday.

According to the state agency, which is leading the investigation, Pickett is accused of killing 54-year-old Susan Pickett, whose body was discovered around 3:30 p.m. Monday at a home in the 200 block of William St., in Avoca.

The DOJ previously indicated law enforcement responded to the residence around 3 p.m. after Sean Pickett called to report his mother’s death. He was still at the location when authorities arrived.

Village of Avoca Police Dept. officers responded to the residence and found Susan Pickett and a dog, who were both dead inside of the residence. Police had observed blood smears on Sean Pickett’s pants, shirt and shoes. Officers took Sean Pickett into custody and he was interviewed by the DOJ’s Division of Criminal Investigation.

Pickett allegedly stated during the interview that he had killed his mother using a knife to stab her neck and then a metal pole to strike her body and head. He also stated that he allegedly killed his dog.

The district attorney did not state what Sean Pickett’s motive was in the alleged homicide.

The district attorney explained that based on the statement’s made and evidence observed, Sean Pickett was arrested on the alleged charge of first degree intentional homicide, which if convicted, is punishable by life in prison. The attorney continued, saying Sean Pickett was also charged with a felony of alleged intentional mistreatment of an animal resulting in death, which is punishable of a fine up to $10,000 or a 3-and-a-half year prison sentence, or both, if convicted.

The court ordered a cash bond of up to $100,000 for Sean Pickett. If he posts bond, he will also be subject to GPS monitoring and is prohibited from having or using a weapon. He will also not be allowed to leave the state.

His next appearance in court is scheduled for 3 p.m. May 24.

The Dept. of Justice described her death as an isolated incident.

The investigation into Susan Pickett’s death is still ongoing. The Dept. of Justice explained when its Division of Criminal Investigation, which is working with the Iowa Co. Sheriff’s Office and Village of Avoca Police Dept., wraps up the investigation, it will submit its findings to the Iowa Co. District Attorney’s Office.

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