The Unsolved Mystery of William Clapp Jr.

In the quiet town of St. Croix County, Wisconsin, the year 1993 marked a dark chapter with the mysterious and unsolved murder of William Clapp Jr. On the fateful night of April 25th, at approximately 12:30 a.m., the 76-year-old Clapp met a tragic end in his own home, leaving the community stunned and searching for answers that have eluded them for decades. 

Unanswered Questions

Mr. Clapp’s demise was swift and brutal, as he succumbed to a fatal gunshot wound to the head. The murder weapon, a shotgun, has never been recovered, intensifying the mystery surrounding the case. Clapp, a man known for his resilience and refusal to part with his extensive land holdings despite numerous offers, was found lifeless in his farmhouse, setting the stage for an investigation that would yield more questions than answers. 

Alarming Wake-Up Call

The Larsens, neighbors residing near Clapp’s farmhouse, unwittingly became entangled in the unfolding tragedy during the early morning hours of April 25th. Helen Larsen received a call from Clapp, who informed her that he wasn’t feeling well. Concerned for their elderly neighbor, Helen woke her son, Jack, who groggily made his way to the phone. However, upon reaching the receiver, the line fell eerily silent. Undeterred, Jack dialed Clapp’s number in an attempt to ascertain his well-being, only to be met with a persistent busy signal. 

The Unthinkable

Growing increasingly worried, Jack took it upon himself to drive the short three miles to Clapp’s residence. What he discovered upon arrival was a scene of grim tragedy. William Clapp slumped over at his kitchen table, a devastating wound on the back of his head. Initially, Jack assumed that the elderly man had suffered a fall and injured himself. Little did he know that this was the beginning of an unsolved murder mystery. That would haunt the community for years to come. 

Community Whispers

Despite the efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding Clapp’s death, investigators faced a significant hurdle – the lack of leads and the absence of the murder weapon. The fact that Clapp owned vast amounts of land and adamantly resisted selling any of it further complicated the investigation. This led authorities and loved ones alike to believe that Clapp must have known his assailant, adding another layer of complexity to the case. 

Seeking Justice

Decades have passed since that tragic night, yet the murder of William Clapp Jr. remains unsolved. The St. Croix County Sheriff’s Office continues to seek justice for this heinous crime, urging anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward. Individuals can contact the Investigation Unit at 715-381-4387, 715-381-4319, or email the tip-line at [email protected]. The specter of William Clapp Jr.’s untimely death continues to loom over St. Croix County, a stark reminder of a mystery that has yet to be unraveled.