OCONTO COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The victims of a double murder in Little Suamico have been identified by family as Paul and Lori Brennan.
Amanda Hendzel tells FOX 11 her mother and step-father were the perfect pair.
“She wanted nothing more with Paul than to be married and live their best life, and I feel like she was just getting that,” said Hendzel.
The couple was together for 25 years but officially tied the knot only two months ago.
She says her mom, Lori, was one to give back to others.
“She would donate to Coats for Kids. Around Christmas time, Toys for Tots — something she used when we were little, and we were struggling.”
Her brother, Calvin Stienmetz, says he’s heartbroken and at a loss of words.
“They would both give the shirt off their back to anyone. They would help anyone that’s struggling.”
According to the Go Fund Me Steinmetz started, Paul and Lori were found shot to death in their yard on the 1200 block of Melissa Boulevard.
“We’ve lived here 16 years. They’ve been over there longer than we have,” said Jennifer Delveaux, a neighbor.
Delveaux says they were some of the best neighbors she could’ve asked for.
“They were a very nice, simple family. Very, very nice. They’ve always been very helpful to anyone that needed help.”
Police responded to their home Sunday and arrested a 27-year-old man.
Hendzel told FOX 11 Thursday the suspect is her brother, David Steinmetz.
Oconto County officials confirmed Steinmetz was booked into the jail Sunday on a probation hold. Charges have not been filed against him for the murders, and he has not appeared in court.
Steinmetz is suspected of killing his mother and her husband.
“Anyone who knew my mom feels exactly what we feel,” said Hendzel.
Hendzel says they’ve started a GoFundMe because they’re struggling with funeral costs.
The fundraiser was posted by relatives of Lori Brennan. Paul Brennan’s relatives tell FOX 11 they are not involved in the fundraiser.
“Paul and Lori (Brennan), Newly married couple of Little Suamico were tragically shot and killed in their own yard on October 2nd. The loving couple was only married two months. The family is heartbroken and in such shock. The family is (mourning) the huge loss of a Mother/ Father and amazing grandparents. Any help would be much appreciated to put towards funeral costs,” according to the GoFundMe page.
“We’re going to do what we can to help out as well,” said Delveaux. “I hope other people the community will be able to help as well.”
The Oconto County Sheriff’s Department has not provided any information since a news release Monday.
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