Update: Two Dead in UW-Platteville Incident, Questions Remain

A law enforcement response to a serious incident Monday afternoon at UW-Platteville’s Wilgus Hall has left the campus community with more questions than answers, as officials remain tight-lipped about what occurred.

At approximately 4 PM, a 911 call reported a situation inside the residence hall, prompting a shelter-in-place order across campus. That order was lifted just after 5 PM once police determined there was no ongoing threat. Officials have confirmed that the incident was isolated and that there is no longer a danger to the public.

Despite the large law enforcement presence and a hospital transport, authorities have not released specific information on injuries, the nature of the incident, or those involved. No arrests have been made, and police stated during a press conference that no suspects are currently in custody.

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Although unconfirmed by police, reports on social media have claimed multiple casualties: possibly two fatalities. These claims appear to align with a police scanner broadcast referencing a "possible multiple casualty incident" that triggered an EMS response. The presence of crime scene tape and multiple emergency vehicles around the building further suggests the gravity of the situation from on-scene photographers.

It has now been confirmed by UW-P that two female students died in what is called a targeted and isolated event. 22-year-old Kelsie Martin of Beloit, WI, and 22-year-old Hallie Helms of Baraboo, WI, have both been named as casualties, but events remain unclear as we await a police report on the confirmed events of the incident.

The absence of a suspect in custody, combined with confirmation that the threat had ended and the fact that final exams were canceled for the remainder of the week, has led to speculation that the incident may have involved a murder-suicide or self-inflicted fatality. Authorities have not confirmed this possibility, citing an active and fluid investigation.

Law enforcement held a press conference Monday evening but shared limited information. Officials emphasized their focus on student safety and said outside agencies had been called in to assist. They acknowledged a hospital transport had taken place but declined to provide additional details due to privacy laws and the ongoing nature of the case.

Mental health support services have been made available to students, including triage counseling and 24/7 emotional support hotlines. University officials stressed the importance of community care during this difficult time. Additionally, all finals have been cancelled, and the college will work with students on finalizing the school year, as each situation will be different depending on the student, professor, and final itself. Governor Tony Evers was also briefed on the situation, but has not released further details.

This is a developing story. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available from law enforcement and university officials.