LA CROSSE, Wis. (WEAU) – Last Thursday morning, La Crosse Police responded to a call to the La Crosse Mobile Home Court in Shelby regarding a death investigation. According to the criminal complaint, the body of 68-year-old Daniel Riordan was found hidden under green vegetation behind the mobile home. Investigators believed Riordan had been dead for some time.

“Police found blood on part of the floor in the house. Initial autopsy reports indicate there were stab wounds to the head,” said Jasmine Betancourt, assistant district attorney for La Crosse County.

Riordan’s roommate, 55-year-old John Stumlin, barricaded himself in the trailer. He was eventually arrested on charges of first-degree premeditated murder and concealing a corpse.

The state had initially requested bail of $1,000,000. However, Stumlin’s lawyer claimed that this amount was too high.

“The problem is that there are no other deficiencies that show that there are appropriate financial conditions that could be put in place to ensure Mr. Stumlin’s return to the community and also the safety of the community. There is no evidence that he has harmed or injured anyone else or that there are any problems there. I don’t think this is more about protecting the public than just keeping Mr. Stumlin inside,” says defense attorney Allison West.

The judge disagreed with the attorney’s claim that Stumlin posed no threat to the public.

“The charges are of the most serious nature that can be brought in the legal system. There is a significant likelihood that he faces what is obviously an enormous prison sentence if convicted. Based on the charges and complaints, and my review of the complaint, I also believe there is some danger to the public if he is released,” said La Crosse Circuit Court Judge Mark Huesmann.

The court agreed to a $1,000,000 bail. Stumlin’s next court date is scheduled for Thursday.

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