In a tense call for justice outside the Douglas County Courthouse, relatives and supporters of a man killed by a Superior police officer demanded transparency and accountability. Central to their demands is the release of body camera footage and a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice reported the fatal shooting occurred Tuesday during an encounter with a Superior police officer. The state’s Division of Criminal Investigation is spearheading the inquiry, while the officer involved is currently on paid administrative leave due to injuries sustained during the event, according to a news release.
Identified by family members, the deceased is 42-year-old David Donald Ducado Menton, formerly of the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. Autumn Khalar, a witness from Solon Springs, described standing mere feet away when the officer allegedly subdued Menton and fatally shot him in the head.
“I never in a million years thought I would ever witness anything like this, especially at the hands of a cop,” Khalar expressed.
The DOJ emphasized its commitment to an impartial and thorough investigation. The altercation reportedly started when officers found a wanted individual at 9:47 p.m. in the 1700 block of Oakes Avenue. With Menton among two people accompanying the suspect, one fled as officers approached.
Khalar recounted that she and Menton were outside smoking when officers arrived, leading to Menton’s attempted retreat to an apartment. Khalar recalled, “David was resisting. He was moving around, trying to get up on his hands and knees a couple times, but then the cop had him back down. I thought it was over. I’m just a couple feet away. I’m thinking the next thing is handcuffs. Then I hear a loud boom, and all I remember then is, I’m just screaming, ‘You shot him. You shot him.’”
A firearm was discovered at the scene, and the officer was treated for injuries at a local hospital and released in stable condition. Superior Police Chief Paul Winterscheidt confirmed the ongoing investigation involves forensic analyses and all available evidence, as mentioned in a news release.
“We understand the desire for immediate answers; however, it is critical that conclusions are based on verified facts, not speculation or incomplete information,” stated Winterscheidt. “Our department remains fully cooperative and committed to a transparent process.”
Nathan Ducado Menton, 36, shared his shock upon learning of his brother’s death from their mother. He insists the incident should not have occurred and calls for accountability: “I want the people that pulled the trigger to be held accountable,” he said. “I want people to come forth with any type of footage or even witnesses. … I just want the truth.”
The DOJ confirmed the officer wore a body camera during the incident, and Menton’s family urges its release. Winterscheidt noted the footage verified the recovery of a firearm and that officers rendered aid post-shooting.
At the time of the shooting, Menton was wanted for not reporting to his probation officer. Despite past felony convictions, including drug-related charges, friends and family remember him as a kind, “bubbly” individual.
Ashley Olson, calling Menton her best friend, acknowledged his addiction struggles but noted his ongoing treatment. “He didn’t deserve to die,” Olson said.
Nathan Ducado Menton expressed admiration for his brother and, alongside his girlfriend Raquel Turner, questioned if racial bias influenced the incident, citing their Filipino heritage.
Police Chief Winterscheidt described the situation as “rapidly evolving and dangerous,” affirming departmental support for officers acting in good faith per their training. “That support is not conditional on public opinion or social media narratives; it is grounded in the facts, the law, and the responsibilities they carry every day,” he stated.
The Division of Criminal Investigation continues to review evidence and will submit its findings to the Douglas County District Attorney’s office upon completion.
