05/01/2026
05/01/2026
Updated Press Release
Regarding the recent death investigation, which was reported on April 28, 2026, at approximately 8:49 P.M. in the Township of Little Black in Taylor County, the male victim has been identified as 21-year-old Austin D. Olson of Medford, Wisconsin.
The adult male who was taken into custody on 04/29/26 has been identified as 19-year-old Brent M. Porter of Marshfield, Wisconsin. Brent was brought before the Taylor County Circuit Court for a bond hearing on the charge of Endangering Safety by Use of a Dangerous Weapon- Armed While Intoxicated and was placed on a $5,000 cash bond, which was later posted.
As a result of further investigative efforts, including but not limited to additional interviews of witnesses and analyzing evidence (both digital and physical), Brent Porter was taken into custody on the felony charge of 1st Degree Reckless Homicide and subsequently transported to the Taylor County Jail.
Due to the complex nature of these types of investigations and the necessity to maintain the integrity of a criminal investigation, certain details cannot be released during this process. We understand that although this may be frustrating for some members of the public, please trust this process and know that justice for the victim’s family is our main priority, along with the overall safety and security of our community.
Additionally, the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased.
The Taylor County Sheriff’s Office is being assisted by The Wisconsin Department of Justice (WI DOJ) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), Taylor County Medical Examiner’s Office, Taylor County District Attorney’s Office, and Clark County Sheriff’s Office.
Due to the nature of the ongoing investigation, no other information is being released at this time. Any further updates will be provided via the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office page.
All suspect(s) are presumed innocent until proven guilty in the court of law.
Sheriff Corey J. Dassow