By Montse Ricossa
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FOND DU LAC, Wisconsin (WDJT) — FOND DU LAC, Wis. (CBS 58) — A case out of Fond du Lac is gaining a lot of attention after a man accused of stalking was found to have several skulls and human remains in his basement, along with shrines to serial killers. Testing is still being done to identify the remains, as three of approximately seven noted human remains are believed to be Native American.
Benjamin Larson, 47, was first charged in Dane County, but on Wednesday, Sept. 2, he faced additional charges in Fond du Lac County. The judge in Fond du Lac County noted several times these are just allegations and one’s interest in the macabre isn’t a crime. However, stalking is a crime as are Larson’s newest charges: felony bail jumping, obstructing an officer and three counts of concealing stolen property.
“This case cannot become a prosecution based on one’s interest in macabre or unique interest,” said Fond du Lac County Circuit Court Judge Douglas Edelstein.
Larson is accused of stalking a woman he briefly dated in 2013; officials say he continually sent communications and cards to her and her mother in Madison.
The Dane County District Attorney’s Office searched Larson’s home on Aug. 14, finding serial killer memorabilia including a sign indicating a piece John Wayne Gacy’s brain was inside a jar, the same type of ammunition used by the Zodiac Killer a mummy, skeletal remains in a glass casket, and a padlocked bedroom. Officials also found a room that was locked with “six different human skulls on the shelf… in different conditions with some completely intact and others severely damaged,” others with candles and pictures nearby.
The detectives in their search also reportedly found binders with information about the victim in the Dane County stalking case and the other women, noting there were small jars labeled with different names on them and had locks consistent with human hair associated with the different women. The stalking victim’s initials were reportedly found on a fire-safe box which inside information about different women, nude photos, and handwritten notes alongside a note that said upon Larson’s death the box should not be opened, instead it should be buried along with his ashes.
“Here or not, [Victim 1] is permanent with me, never to go away now. Even if you do decide to leave my life, and never look back on me again for the rest of your days, you will still be with me… There is nothing that will, or could, change this.” — Allegedly written by Larson in an email to the victim’s mother. What was also disturbing, however, were journal entries where throughout 25 pages writing the victim’s name he wrote he was “furious at the thought” of her being with a husband and child adding, “I sit in my basement corner and rot and seethe.” In another passage he supposedly wrote, “I hate that they have a life together. That she’s been with someone so long. That he gets to see her everyday… I hate everything about this whole thing, and it’s at time like this where I really ache to take their skulls…I just want her gone so that I don’t have to know she’s still out there doing this with someone else.”
Officials interviewed Larson’s wife who noted he “was obsessed with Ed Gein” and was a “big fan” of different poisons.
Both Larson’s wife and mother told investigators they knew of the bones and skulls but “weren’t sure where they all came from.” Larson’s mother reportedly told detectives that the human remains found in the glass coffin came from his great-great-grandfather, who was a physician. However, prosecutors noted that after speaking with a doctor, if skeletal remains were for anatomical teaching” then the specimens would be bleached and have a clean appearance and be in good condition, which they reportedly were not. Defense Attorney Sara Christensen explained in court virtually alongside Larson that he was collecting additional human remains to complete his family heirloom’s partial skeleton.
Inside the locked bedroom was a “painting of a naked female consistent with Victim 1’s likeness” according to the criminal complaint, while the defense claims the painting was done by Larson’s grandmother in the 1930s. Last week, Larson was given a $15,000 cash bond, which he paid and was later released with GPS monitoring.
Sept. 2, the Fond du Lac County district attorney asked for a higher bond of $150,000 to $350,000. The judge agreed on $250,000.
“I can only look at past when looking to future. Someone with a dated history of sexual assault, pending charges of stalking. Someone with interest of human remains and in fact, what’s been described as a history of contested remains such that I remain this cash bond is appropriate,” said Judge Edelstein.
“I think it’s incumbent on this court and all parties to not speculate. Speculation is something I believe is a product of simple fear of making an informed decision. Speculation is something that is not based upon facts on the record.” — Judge Edelstein The criminal complaint noted there was “no legal avenue” for Larson to have acquired three Native American skulls and human remains, with the “possible exception” of one. Therefore, officials believe the remains “to have been illegally obtained or stolen” and that Larson lied about where he got them from.
Larson is due back in Fond du Lac County court on Friday, and in Dane County on Sept. 11.
DA Toney says the investigation is still active and the Fond Du Lac County Sheriff’s Office is asking for any information – related to human remains or with Larson – to call 920-906-4777.
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