The Shawano County Sheriff’s Department has closed a 9-year death investigation with charges of murder being posed to the husband of the victim.
James C. Radford, 39, is being charged with first-degree reckless homicide in the death of his wife, Sabrina Radford.
Deputies responded April 11, 2016, to a residence on County Road J in the Town of Fairbanks for a report of a woman who had sustained a gunshot wound. The caller, identified as her husband, reported that his wife had shot herself.
At the time of the initial response, investigators were unable to conclusively determine the cause of death. However, due to the suspicious circumstances surrounding the incident, a formal investigation was initiated.
Over the course of nine years, investigators dedicated significant time and effort to this case, according to a sheriff’s department press release. Numerous interviews were conducted with James Radford and other individuals connected to the case, and previously collected evidence was reexamined. With the aid of advanced investigative tools, evolving forensic technology and the involvement of expert witnesses, investigators determined that the death of Sabrina Radford was not the result of suicide.
On April 15 of this year, James Radford was taken into custody in Waukesha County. He was subsequently transported back to Shawano County, where he was booked into the Shawano County Jail and held on a cash bond of $800,000.
“Our deepest condolences go out to Sabrina’s family,” Sheriff George Lenzner said in a press release. “We understand the past nine years have been long and difficult, but please know that this case was never forgotten. Our office has worked diligently to bring answers and accountability.”
Currently, attempts are being made to find an attorney to represent James Radford, and the time limits for a preliminary hearing have been waived. A status conference has been scheduled for 1:30 p.m. June 9 on Branch II of the Shawano County Courthouse.
Husband charged with wife’s murder
