MAUSTON, Wis. (WKOW) — Triple homicide suspect Virgil Thew is being held on a $5 million cash bond.
The judge set the bond during Thew's first court appearance at the Juneau County Justice Center on Friday.
Thew, 47, is accused of killing his live-in girlfriend and two girls in his care in New Lisbon.
The three victims were found dead Dec. 30 in a locked bedroom at a home where Thew lived.
According to an amended criminal complaint filed on Friday, Thew is now charged with nine felonies:
- First-degree intentional homicide (x3)
- Hiding a corpse (x3)
- Possessing a firearm as a felon
- Operating a vehicle without the owner's consent
- Obstructing an officer
Thew was taken into custody in the city of Elroy on Thursday after a dayslong manhunt for him.
The criminal complaint stated he was found in a vehicle, armed with a knife and originally gave law enforcement a fake name. He eventually admitted his name was Virgil, and during an interview with detectives, he said he recalled shooting the woman and children and identified the weapon he used.
Thew appeared in person during the hearing. He did not speak.
The judge has also ordered that Thew have no contact with witnesses or any known family members of the victims.
Thew is due back in court again on Feb. 13.
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