Fond du Lac Haunted by 1973 Halloween Murder's Enduring Legacy

The tragic 1973 murder of nine-year-old Lisa Ann French in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, during Halloween has left a lasting impact on the community, prompting changes in how the holiday is celebrated. Lisa was sexually assaulted and murdered by her neighbor Gerald Turner, who was convicted but released early for good behavior. Since then, the town has restricted trick-or-treating to daylight hours on the Saturday before Halloween to enhance safety. Local authorities and residents, including city council president Tiffany Brault, acknowledge the enduring trauma and how the crime continues to haunt the community decades later. Annual events like the KFIZ radio Halloween party help keep children safe by ensuring they are home before dark. The case remains a significant part of Fond du Lac's collective memory, shaping local traditions and community vigilance around Halloween.