No Charges Filed in Necedah Fire Deaths

The Juneau County Sheriff's Office has determined that no criminal charges will be filed against the owner of a Necedah rental home where a fire killed six family members on June 30. The property, which was being used as a rental without the necessary licensing, was the site of a tragic incident that claimed the lives of former pastor Steve Witte, his two daughters, and three of his granddaughters. Investigators indicated that the fire may have been started by faulty wiring, although the official cause has not yet been released. The decision not to pursue charges followed a thorough review of the investigation reports by the District Attorney's Office. Survivors of the fire include several family members who were present at the time of the incident, with one adult, Mary Witte, being the sole surviving parent among the deceased. This case highlights ongoing concerns regarding unlicensed rental properties in tourist areas.