Cheese Factory Heir Found Guilty of Parents' Murders
Erik Metzi. Photo courtesy of the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office.
When you think of Wisconsin, images of rolling dairy farms and the rich aroma of cheese often come to mind. But in March 2023, a quiet community in Wolf River was shaken by a grim discovery that unraveled a chilling family tragedy. David and Jan Metzig, longtime owners of the Union Star Cheese Factory in Fremont, were found shot to death in their home, wrapped in blankets with bags over their heads. The horror deepened when investigators uncovered a disturbing journal entry by their son, Erik Metzig, revealing his dark intentions to "eliminate" his parents and stage their disappearance.
The Metzig Family: Pillars of a Wisconsin Community
David Metzig, 72, and his wife Jan, 71, were not just any couple — they were the third generation to run the Union Star Cheese Factory, a beloved local institution in Fremont, Wisconsin. Their dedication to the craft and community made them staples in the area, known for their commitment to quality and family values. Married for 49 years, they raised five children and were deeply woven into the fabric of their town.
Their son, Erik Metzig, 26 at the time of the crime, lived with them in their Wolf River home. The family's life, which seemed rooted in tradition and community, took a dark turn that would leave the town reeling.
The Crime Scene: A Disturbing Discovery
On a weekend in March 2023, deputies responded to a welfare check request for the Metzigs. Erik's brother had reportedly escorted law enforcement into the home, only to find a scene that defied the peaceful image of the family. David and Jan were found in their bedroom, wrapped in blankets with plastic bags over their heads, both fatally shot. According to Fox 11, one sibling said at Erik's October sentencing that police believe the parents were "naked and shot while in their bedroom," as reported by PEOPLE. The presence of multiple unfired 9 mm bullets near their bodies and "a significant amount of blood" painted a grim picture of the violence that had unfolded, as reported by Patch.com.
Adding to the eerie atmosphere, an AR platform rifle was discovered on the kitchen table, loaded and ready, as reported by Patch.com. A Glock 9 mm handgun was later found in a garbage bag in the garage.
Blood stains were also found inside Erik's vehicle, including on the driver's side visor and the roof liner above the driver's seat, according to 96.7 The Eagle, adding another layer of forensic evidence to the case.
The Son's Journal: A Window Into a Dark Mind
What truly sets this case apart is the journal found in Erik's bedroom. According to the criminal complaint, the journal contained entries where Erik expressed a desire to "eliminate" his parents and make it appear as though they had vanished while out for a walk, as reported by PEOPLE. This chilling detail offers a rare glimpse into the psychological state of the perpetrator, revealing a calculated plan to erase his parents from existence and avoid suspicion.
While public details remain limited, and no official statements have been made regarding Erik's mental health or family dynamics, the journal's content invites speculation about the possible underlying factors that led to this tragedy — such psychological interpretations are unconfirmed and should be approached with caution.
The Aftermath: Arrest and Sentencing
Erik was arrested immediately following the discovery of the crime scene. His car was gone, and he was later found at a YMCA in Kimberly, Wisconsin, where staff reported a suspicious man wandering the parking lot and then entering the shower area. When approached by police, Erik was wearing yellow-toned shooting glasses and appeared distressed, mentioning his family troubles and the difficulty of finding affordable housing, as reported by Patch.com.
In August 2024, Erik pleaded no contest to two counts of first-degree intentional homicide. Despite a motion to withdraw his plea filed earlier that year, the court denied it. In October 2025, he was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole, ensuring he will spend the rest of his life behind bars.
The Intrigue of the "Why"
Cases like this grip us because they challenge our understanding of family, loyalty, and the human psyche. The Metzig murders are not just about a tragic loss but about the unsettling reality that darkness can lurk even in the most familiar places. The son's journal entry adds a layer of psychological intrigue — why would someone plan such a brutal act against their own parents?
While the public record does not provide explicit answers, and any speculation about motives or mental health remains unverified, the journal's existence invites us to consider the complexities of familial relationships and the silent struggles that individuals may face behind closed doors.
What You Can Take Away
This story is a stark reminder that tragedy can strike anywhere, even in communities known for their warmth and tradition. It also highlights the power of documentation — Erik's journal was a key piece of evidence that helped unravel the truth behind the murders.
For you, the reader, this case offers a mix of intrigue and caution. It's a call to be vigilant about the mental well-being of those around you and to recognize that sometimes, the most chilling stories come from within the family circle.
Final Thoughts
The Metzig family's story is a haunting chapter in Wisconsin's history, marked by love, loss, and a dark betrayal. As you reflect on this case, you might find yourself pondering the fragile boundaries between trust and suspicion, and the hidden depths of human behavior. While the cheese factory continues to be a symbol of tradition, the memory of David and Jan Metzig serves as a somber reminder of the complexities that can lie beneath the surface of any family.
References: Cheese Factory Owners Were Found Slain in Their Home with Bags Over Their Heads - What Killer Son's Chilling Journal Entry Said | Son Charged After Wisconsin Cheese Factory Owners Found Dead In Home | Across Wisconsin | Cheese Factory Owners in Wisconsin Shot and Killed by Son
