By Marci Laehr Tenuta and Janine Anderson
Journal Times | Posted: Friday, November 14, 2008 12:00 am
RACINE - The ex-boyfriend of Ann Larson has been charged with beating her in late August and is a suspect in her death, according to court documents.
Larson, 29, was found inside her Superior Street apartment at 3 a.m. Sunday. Following an autopsy Monday, authorities ruled her death a homicide.
Robert Shoning, 44, was the person who called authorities early Sunday morning and told police he had found Larson dead in her apartment. At that time he was arrested for battery and disorderly conduct stemming from an Aug. 31 assault.
According to the criminal complaint against him, Larson called police on Aug. 31 and told them that she and Shoning argued at their apartment at 2109 1/2 Superior St. She said during the fight, he punched her in the face and ribs.
Shoning was charged with battery and disorderly conduct Tuesday, and was released from custody the same day on a $1,000 signature bond.
He has not been arrested for Larson's homicide and no warrant has been issued for his arrest.
District Attorney Michael Nieskes said his office requested a $500 cash bond in the battery case, but the court commissioner set the signature bond instead. A bond is an amount someone pays to get out of jail; if a signature bond is issued it is a promise to pay that amount of money if they do not show up for court or violate the terms of their release.
Nieskes said he followed the county guidelines for bonds on misdemeanor charges.
"The county has for misdemeanors set certain bonds so people can be released if they post it," Nieskes said. "We asked for a $500 cash bond, essentially for his criminal history and the circumstances of the misdemeanor."
At the time Shoning was charged, he had been in jail for two days, Nieskes said, and would have been due for release that night if no charges were filed.
Nieskes said the misdemeanor charges were not filed simply to keep Shoning in jail, and that even though the victim is now dead, there is enough evidence to proceed in the battery case.
"In this particular circumstance we have an individual who admitted he was in a fight with her," Nieskes said. "These are charges where there is probable cause. We believe we can prove them beyond a reasonable doubt based upon all the information. The circumstance is unusual in that the person he's accused of battering has ended up dead."
A suspect in homicideNow, Shoning is suspected of more than the August fight.
Court documents state that during an autopsy of Larson's body, the medical examiner discovered a 5/8-inch puncture wound to her upper-left chest area, and judged that to be the cause of death.
Late Tuesday night police investigators executed a search warrant at a Milwaukee apartment , where they believed they might find evidence in Larson's murder, said Racine Police Sgt. Bernie Kupper.
The affidavit from the search warrant reports that Shoning had contact with the residents of that apartment.
Police obtained clothing, a duffel bag, knives, a prescription bottle that belonged to Larson and a cell phone, according to a court document filed afterward.
A Racine Police Department investigator wanted to search the apartment, which is near the Mitchell Park Conservatory domes, states an affidavit. It said they were looking for any blunt instrument capable of causing the fatal wound.
According to police, Larson's death occurred an estimated 24 to 48 hours before she was found.
A tumultuous relationship
Shoning and Larson had an on and off relationship that began in July, according to the criminal complaint. They met in the beginning of July 2008 and began dating shortly after. He moved in with her at the Superior Street apartment later that month, the complaint states.
Shoning told investigators that they broke up on Sept. 1, and he took her van and moved to Milwaukee. Shoning apparently also said he was upset because he was paying bills but not living there.
Shoning and Larson eventually got back together, reports say. He did not move back in, but would sleep there occasionally. The couple allegedly argued on and off, but Shoning told police the fights were never physical except for the one that occurred on Aug. 31.
Shoning claims Larson hit and scratched him, and he pushed her. He told police he did not believe he hurt her when he pushed her.
Shoning is due back in Racine County Circuit Court on Dec. 16 for a status conference on the assault charge.
Kupper said investigators are still searching for anyone with information on the crime to assist them. He said they are not ruling out other suspects at this point.
Larson was the mother of two children, ages 6 and 10. She is also survived by her parents, and a brother.
She grew up in Racine, but also had many friends in South Milwaukee, where she worked at Bicklers Coachlight Inn.
Funeral services for Larson will be held at the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, 322 Ohio St., Friday at 11 a.m. Friends and family may meet with the family at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials for the education of her two children have been suggested.
Anyone with information on the homicide is asked to call the Racine Police Department at (262) 635-7700. Anonymous tips can be given to Crime Stoppers by calling (262) 636-9330 or by texting tips to CRIMES (274637) and entering the Tipsoft identifcation number of TIP417.