Two bodies may be victim, perpetrator

Star Tribune

Last update: November 4, 2009 - 12:50 AM

Authorities in western Wisconsin are investigating the discovery of two men they believe are a murder victim and his killer.

The Washburn County Sheriff's Office announced Tuesday that the body of David W. Palm, 43, was found early Sunday as deputies in neighboring Sawyer County were investigating a building fire.

Deputies from both counties and other jurisdictions searched for several hours for a potential suspect.

They found the suspect's vehicle, parked at a house near Spooner, Wis. Unable to get a response from the house, authorities fired gas into it in an attempt to flush out any occupants.

None was found, but as officers searched the area, they discovered a charred body in a smoldering fire near the house.

The office identified the body as Arthur Achilles Garcia, 31, of Stone Lake, Wis.

According to the Sheriff's Office, Garcia shot Palm and started the initial fire; he then went to several Spooner bars, where he was seen drinking. He then went to the house near Spooner, where he started the second fire and killed himself in an unidentified manner.

BOB VON STERNBERG