Five arrested in Lac du Flambeau man's death

Wausau Daily Herald

The Wisconsin Department of Justice says five people have been arrested in the death of Wayne Valliere Jr., 25, whose body was found Jan. 1, 2018 in Iron County.

LAC DU FLAMBEAU - Five people have been arrested in connection with a 25-year-old Lac du Flambeau man's death.

Wayne Valliere Jr., a member of the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, had been reported missing on Dec. 29. His body was recovered on New Year's Day in Iron County, according to state investigators.

Valliere was last seen alive on Dec. 22.

The state Department of Justice has not identified the suspects who were arrested, the charges they face or the apparent cause or circumstances of Vallier's death.

The Iron County District Attorney is handling prosecution of the suspects with help from a state attorney.

Lac du Flambeau President Joseph Wildcat Sr. said the tribal nation was shaken by Valliere's death but offered no further details.

"We are heartbroken at the loss of one of our tribal members. Our entire community mourns with the family of Wayne Valliere Jr.," according to a written statement by Wildcat. "This is an extremely trying time for the family. We ask out of respect for them and their loved ones that they receive the space and time they need to grieve."