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.
Jason Cortez Nativi (Photo Source) Celebrating Jason Cortez
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