Wisconsin Man Charged with Murder After Estranged Wife's Tooth Found in Burn Pit
September 26, 2024
WISCONSIN: Zachariah Rasch, 43, was charged with the murder of his estranged wife, Crystal Rasch, 37. The gruesome discovery of Crystal's tooth in a burn pit on Rasch's property led investigators to unravel a web of sinister actions.
On June 23, Crystal's stepmother reported her disappearance to the Dodge County Sheriff's Office. She had seen Crystal's car in the driveway but couldn't reach her on phone. Surveillance footage revealed the couple's last known interaction on June 11 at a Goodwill in Oconomowoc.
Deputies executed search warrants on Rasch's properties in Clyman Township and Adams County. The searches yielded disturbing evidence, including a Mitsubishi Eclipse with Crystal's blood splatter found in Springville, and a burn pit containing bones and Crystal's tooth discovered in Clyman.
Rasch's phone revealed incriminating Google searches, including "Will 9mm kill an animal if shot in the head," "Is sulfuric acid flammable," "Carpet cleaner," "Can police get a search warrant on a Sunday in Wisconsin" (on the day Crystal was reported missing), and "Wisconsin missing person alert" (two days later).
Rasch allegedly spent $6,000 on cleaning supplies, including gloves and drain cleaners, after Crystal's disappearance. Detectives found over $3,000 in cash in his dresser and wallet.
Rasch was previously charged with eight counts of unauthorized use of Crystal's credit cards. He initially denied making the purchases but confessed after being shown surveillance images.
Authorities suspect a history of domestic violence. "Crystal Rasch's tragic death highlights the dangers of domestic violence," said Dodge County Sheriff Dale J. Schmidt. "We urge anyone in abusive situations to seek help immediately."
Neighbors expressed shock and concern. "It's terrifying to think someone capable of such evil lived among us," said one resident.
Rasch remains in the Dodge County Jail, facing charges of first-degree intentional homicide with a domestic abuse modifier and hiding a corpse.
