1980s Serial Killer Granted Jury Trial in Eau Claire County

The man admitted to killing 4 people in the Chippewa Valley in the 1980s.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 8:37pm

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An extreme close-up of a single handcuff, the metal surface reflecting the harsh light of the camera flash, creating a stark, gritty, and investigative visual metaphor for the crimes of a serial killer.The harsh flash of a camera captures the cold, unforgiving reality of a serial killer's crimes.Eau Claire Today

A man who admitted to killing three people in the Chippewa Valley in the 1980s has been granted a jury trial in Eau Claire County Court. The judge's decision came after examining a psychological report on the defendant. The man was previously found guilty but not guilty due to mental disease of first-degree murder and is currently at the Mendota Mental Health Institute in Madison.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex legal and mental health issues surrounding serial killers who are found not guilty by reason of insanity. The jury trial will determine if the defendant can be conditionally released from the mental health facility, raising questions about public safety and the rights of the accused.

The details

According to the criminal complaint, the defendant admitted to the shooting deaths of Robert Williams of Eau Claire, Timothy Hayden of Menomonie, and Daniel Lundgren of Esko, Minnesota, as well as the stabbing death of James Severson of Eau Claire. The killings occurred over a four-year period from 1985 to 1988.

  • The killings took place from 1985 to 1988.
  • The defendant was previously found guilty but not guilty due to mental disease.
  • The defendant is currently at the Mendota Mental Health Institute in Madison.
  • The judge granted the defendant a jury trial on Thursday, April 2, 2026.
  • The defendant will return to court for a scheduling conference in June 2026.

The players

Taylor

The man who admitted to killing three people in the Chippewa Valley in the 1980s and is currently at the Mendota Mental Health Institute in Madison.

Robert Williams

One of the victims killed by the defendant in Eau Claire.

Timothy Hayden

One of the victims killed by the defendant in Menomonie.

Daniel Lundgren

One of the victims killed by the defendant in Esko, Minnesota.

James Severson

One of the victims killed by the defendant in Eau Claire.

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What’s next

A date for the jury trial has not been set yet, but the defendant will return to court for a scheduling conference in June 2026.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex legal and mental health issues surrounding serial killers who are found not guilty by reason of insanity. The upcoming jury trial will determine if the defendant can be conditionally released from the mental health facility, raising important questions about public safety and the rights of the accused.