When an investment banking analyst is stabbed to death on a fall morning along a popular hiking trail in Wisconsin, his murderer seemingly slips out of sight despite multiple eyewitnesses seeing him. To-date the killer remains at-large and authorities need your help.
Less than a year later, another family suffers a similar loss when an avid photographer and newly-wed is gunned down by a sniper while hiking outside of one of the busiest cities in the world. Though these two cases are not connected, both victims’ family members all want the same thing: justice.
John Schmutzer Case:
- If you have any information regarding the murder of John Schmutzer please call 1-888-Tip-Sauk (847-7285). Tips sent digitally are NOT monitored 24/7. If your information is urgent and/or regards public safety, you can still remain anonymous and call the non-recorded tip line at 877-847-7285. You will be able to speak to someone at any time at this number and they can give your information to a law enforcement supervisor in the appropriate jurisdiction immediately.
Jason Cortez Case
- If you have any information regarding the murder of Jason Cortez please call Detective Abundis at 213-486-8700. To share anonymously call 800-222-TIPS (8477) or visit WWW.LACRIMESTOPPERS.ORG.
- La policía de los ángeles tuvo una conferencia de prensa para compartir el boceto de la persona que creen le quitó la vida a Jason, y anunciar una recompensa de $50,000 por información. Por favor compartan esta información a lo largo y ancho. Por favor ayúdenos a encontrar respuestas. Si alguien sabe algo por favor llame al detective Abundis al 213-486-8700. Si quiere compartir anónimamente llame 800-222-TIPS (8477) o visite WWW.LACRIMESTOPPERS.ORG.
John Schmutzer (Photo Source) Sauk County Wisconsin: Continuing Investigation - Devils Lake Homicide.
March 2021 Grottos Trail Surveillance Image (Source) Sauk County Sherriff’s Office
Devil’s Lake State Park Grottos Trail Map (Source) Google Maps
Devil’s Lake State Park Map (Source) Google Maps
Jason Cortez Nativi (Photo Source) Celebrating Jason Cortez
Jason Cortez Reward Poster and Suspect Composite Sketch (Source) Celebrating Jason Cortez
Ernest E. Debs Regional Park Image (Source) LAparks.org
Ernest E. Debs Regional Park Map (Source) Google Maps
Episode Source Material
- Sauk County Wisconsin: Continuing Investigation – Devils Lake Homicide. By Chip Meister.
- Baraboo News Republic: Stabbing victim named. By Bridget Cooke Via newspapers.com.
- WKOW: ‘He was never hostile to anyone:’ Friend stunned by former UW classmate’s killing at Devil’s Lake. By Tony Galli.
- Heavy.com: John Schmutzer: Wauwatosa Man Stabbed at Devil’s Lake. By Jessica McBride.
- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: John Schmutzer Obituary. By staff.
- Portage Daily Register: Homicide. By Staff via newspapers.com. (1)
- Portage Daily Register: Homicide. By Staff via newspapers.com. (2)
- Patch: Witness Photos Released In Wauwatosa Man’s Fatal Stabbing. By Karen Pilarski.
- WKOW: Witness: Authorities focus on photographed park visitor in Devil’s Lake State Park homicide. By staff.
- ABC News 9: Secrecy extended with records in Devil’s Lake homicide. By Sierra Rehm.
- CBS 58: Person of interest in Devil’s Lake homicide was seen running ‘frantically’ and ‘out of control’ from park. By staff.
- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: After over six months, the person who killed a Wauwatosa man at Devil’s Lake State Park in October is still at large. By Hannah Kirby.
- FOX 47: Sauk Co. Investigators hopeful they’re closer than ever to solving Devil’s Lake homicide. By Adam Duxter.
- Wisconsin Dells Events: Police promise to solve murder at park. By Bridget Cooke via newspapers.com.
- Channel 3000: ‘We will not give up:’ One year after Devil’s Lake murder, still no arrest. By James Langrehr, Madalyn O’Neill.
- Channel 3000: Sauk County authorities hold press conference on 1-year anniversary of deadly Devil’s Lake stabbing. By James Langrehr, Madalyn O’Neill. (transcription)
- Baraboo News Republic: Police promise to solve murder at park. By Bridget Cooke via newspapers.com. (1)
- Baraboo News Republic: Police promise to solve murder at park. By Bridget Cooke via newspapers.com. (2)
- Baraboo News Republic: Killer Sought in 2020 Stabbing. By staff via newspapers.com (1)
- Baraboo News Republic: Killer Sought in 2020 Stabbing. By staff via newspapers.com (2)
- Baraboo News Republic: Detectives seek help with 2020 murder. By Bridget Cooke via newspapers.com. (1)
- Baraboo News Republic: Detectives seek help with 2020 murder. By Bridget Cooke via newspapers.com. (2)
- KCAL News: Man Found Dead At Debs Park In Montecito Heights; Homicide Investigation Underway. By Kandiss Crone Via Youtube.
- The Los Angeles Times: Homicide Report, Jason J. Cortez Nativi, 29. By staff.
- The Eastsider: Reward offered over Debs Park killing. By Barry Lank.
- My News LA.com: Reward announced for help solving homicide in Ernest E. Debs Regional Park. By staff.
- The Eastsider: Family and police plead for help in murder of Debs Park hiker. By Barry Lank.
- ABC 7: Family of tourist killed by suspected sniper while hiking near Highland Park asking public for help. By Josh Haskell.
- Oxygen.com: Grieving Family Promotes $50,000 reward after loved one gunned down in LA by Apparent Sniper. By Megan Capentier.
- NewsNation: Family of tourist killed by suspected sniper while hiking in LA speaks out. By staff via Youtube.
- Celebrating Jason Cortez: LAPD Press Conference for Jason Cortez Nativi. By staff Via Youtube.
- The Los Angeles Times: $50,000 Reward Notice. By staff via newspapers.com.
- Celebrating Jason Cortez