WAUPACA (WLUK) – Steven Eggert allegedly set a man’s home on fire after finding the man dead in his kitchen, saying he didn’t think police would believe he wasn’t responsible for the death, according to charges filed Tuesday.
Eggert, 24, was charged arson, mutilating a corpse, burglary, and other counts in connection with the April 27 fire in the town of Harrison. A court appearance was set for Tuesday afternoon.
According to the criminal complaint, crews responded to the fire at a home on County P. The roof collapsed and eventually the structure collapsed into the basement. The victim’s remains were found in the debris. The victim is only identified by initials and an apparent last name, Roeglin.
After the fire, two people called police, saying they talked with Eggert about the man’s death before the fire. Eggert says he showed up at the victim’s house and found him dead. They told him to call police.
“Eggert stated that he was concerned that law enforcement would think that he killed the deceased person,” the complaint states.
After the fire, a witness again talked to Eggert, who said he “took care of it,” in reference to the body. Eggert also said he didn’t want police to know he had been at the home.
“Eggert told Witness 1 that he lit the fire to cover his tracks. Witness 1 told Eggert that if he did that, he was an idiot and Eggert screwed himself. Eggert told Witness 1 that when he started the fire “it made look natural.” Eggert stated that “it’s fine” and he didn’t use an accelerant or anything. Eggert stated that he was in Special Forces and they taught him how to not get caught. Eggert told Witness 1 that he was a big smoker and he made it look natural. Eggert told Witness 1 that he set up a cigarette or cigar to look natural and made it look like the deceased person went into the kitchen and had a heart attack,” the complaint states.
Eggert also allegedly took several weapons from the home.
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