Wisconsin Man Wanted in Triple Homicide of Woman, Two Girls

A 33-year-old woman and two girls, ages 12 and 13, were found shot to death and locked in a bedroom in New Lisbon, Wisconsin, according to a criminal complaint filed in Juneau County Circuit Court. Virgil G. Thew, 47, of New Lisbon, faces three counts of first-degree intentional homicide for the deaths of Elizabeth Kolba and the two unnamed girls.

The investigation began on Dec. 30 when the father of the 13-year-old girl reported her missing. Her SnapChat location showed her at an address on West Bridge Street in New Lisbon, where Thew lived with his mother and Kolba, his girlfriend. Thew’s mother told police she last saw the 13-year-old with a 12-year-old girl, who was Thew’s stepdaughter.

Police traced Thew to a Juneau County property after a property owner reported a trespasser. Trail cameras and a neighbor’s account confirmed Thew’s presence. His car was later impounded, and a handgun was found in the trunk. On Dec. 30, a 911 caller reported finding three bodies in a locked bedroom at Thew’s home. The victims were identified as Kolba and the two girls, who died of gunshot wounds.

Thew’s mother said she had been in the home during the days following Christmas and that Thew, Kolba, the two girls, and Thew’s sister were the only ones present. The sister told police she avoided Thew’s locked bedroom, as he would become “extremely upset” if anyone entered.

Authorities are now receiving assistance from federal agencies, including the FBI and U.S. Marshals Service, in their search for Thew. His last confirmed sighting was on Jan. 1 near Orange Road and McEwen Road in Lisbon Township. Thew is described as 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighing about 160 pounds, with a 1-inch scar on his forehead. He is considered armed and dangerous, and the public is urged to contact 911 if he is seen.