Oh no. Who did this? Who did this to him? What the [ __ ] >> That's what we're gonna try to figure out. >> Oh my god. Oh my god. What is happening? Oh my god. What is happening? I need you. On September 9th, 2021, when police arrived in a rural area of Black River Falls, Wisconsin, they found two apparent victims. Kelly Schmidt had a rope around her neck. Thomas Botcher had been stabbed multiple times. Neither can fully explain what happened. And the deeper investigators dig, the stranger this case becomes. >> I'm Detective Janelle Smokewitz with the Jackson County Sheriff's Department. This is my partner, uh, Detective Matt Karan. >> Hi. >> Um, so we just wanted to talk to you about what happened last night and what what you're doing here in the hospital. Um, but obviously you're you obviously can't leave. You can't get up and walk out or anything. Um, so we just wanted to read you your Miranda warning just so that you know you make sure what your rights are because you can't get up and leave, you know. Um, so >> it might be arrested. >> You're not under arrest right now, but because you're you're not free to leave because you're stuck to all the stuff here, all the uh medical stuff. We want to make sure that you understand what your rights are. >> You can't you're not you can't just get up and walk away from us like a normal person would. you're hooked up to all this stuff. The hospital staff is going to have to unhook you and things like that. >> So, and we're really not sure what's going on. We understand that there have been some domestic issues in the past. So, that's obviously a concern for us. I mean, you >> technically Kelly isn't free to leave because she's attached to IVs, monitors, and medical equipment, but she's also not free to leave for another reason. Right now, she may be the only person conscious enough who can explain what happened inside that house. >> Do you remember what happened to you at all? >> No. >> Because obviously you have some injuries, you know, on you. So, we just want to try to figure out >> what the hell's going on. >> Okay. Well, in order to >> we'll be an accident or something. >> Well, in order to talk to you though, um I I do just want to let you know what your rights are. Okay. So, it's okay if I just read them to you here. So it says you have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be >> Sounds like I'm being arrested. >> Well, you're not under arrest right now, but because you can't leave, you know, we have to make sure that you understand what your rights are. You don't have to talk to us. But so it says anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. >> Be accurate, you know, in terms of what happened. Uh Tom was found at a neighbors and he was bleeding profusely. Um, it looks like he might have been injured somehow. We're not really sure how. That's what we were hoping that you might be able to to tell us. >> Like what were you guys doing earlier in the day or >> the last thing I remember? We were on our porch painting our dresser. >> Do you know what time of day that was at or >> like was it still light out? Was it dark out? >> Yeah, the sun was out. >> Okay. We were being in the dresser and then I woke up here. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> And then do you remember what uh what did you guys do earlier in the day before you guys painted the dresser? >> Um I had go to court yesterday. >> Oh, okay. What time was that at? >> 2:30. >> Okay. >> Okay. P.M. in the afternoon. Okay. >> Yeah. >> So, you went to court? Then I came home and we went to Walmart and we uh came back and we were painting the dresser. >> Okay. Was anybody else there with you guys when you were painting the dresser? >> No, it's just the two of us all the time. >> Okay. And does it >> is he okay? What's happening? >> He got transported to the hospital for his injuries. You know that that happened to him. >> What kind of injuries does he have? >> Well, he he was bleeding. So, we're we're not exactly sure what caused the the the injuries. >> It looked like puncture marks, like he had been cut with something or stabbed with something or something might have fallen fallen on him. We're really not sure how he got the >> No, >> every investigation needs a timeline. Unfortunately, the one person detectives hope can provide it says she doesn't remember the violence at all. >> Okay. So, you guys were painting out in the house? >> Spray painted our our dresser. >> Okay. Um, and then do you have anybody else uh living at that house with you guys? >> No. >> Okay. So, it's just you two? >> Yeah. >> And how [clears throat] long have you guys lived there? >> My dog is there. >> Okay. And how long have you guys lived there? >> Is she okay? >> The dog? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> The dog, as far as I know, is fine. It was a >> chain that it was laying in the backyard or right by the garage or something. >> Okay. >> It was tied up as a husky, right? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. She's fine. >> Oh gosh. >> Um, so how long have you guys been uh living there together? >> Uh, just since my mom passed away. >> And when was that? June. >> Okay. >> June of this year. >> So, um earlier before court, uh what time did you like wake up in the morning or afternoon? >> Yeah, we he was sleeping when I was up for court. Okay. And then I went to court and I came home and I woke him up and then um and then we were cuz we've been fixing our house. >> Okay. >> Drama can do strange things to memory. And according to Kelly, that's exactly what happened here. >> And we were peeing in our dresser. >> But you said you went to Walmart or something? >> Yeah, we went to cuz we wanted to paint the dresser and we ran out of some spray paint. So, we went to Walmart and we got some groceries and some more spray paint so we can paint the dresser and get the TV out. >> Okay. And then yesterday at all, do you know if he used any drugs or alcohol at all? Was does he drink or >> I don't remember nothing. >> Okay. Do you remember if after you got done from court if you guys drank any beer or alcohol? >> Okay. Um, does he normally drink on a daily basis or >> uh we drink? Yeah, we drink sometimes. >> Okay. What about him? Does he drink on like a everyday basis or how often? >> He thinks. >> You think so? Okay. And how about you then? Do you drink on an everyday basis? >> Yeah. >> Okay. And when you do drink, how many do you have normally? >> Not a lot. >> What's not a lot? >> Two shots. >> Okay. Of like hard liquor or >> vodka. >> Vodka. Okay. Um, but as far as you know, he wasn't using any drugs yesterday. Okay. >> Neither one of us were. >> Okay. Does he have a history with drugs at all or? >> No. No. No. Is he okay? >> Does he have a history with any sort of drug use or anything? No. >> Okay. >> I don't know. >> You don't? >> I don't know. >> Okay. And we're obviously not trying to get anybody in trouble. But we're just trying to figure out >> I I don't know. >> Okay. So, that's that's perfectly fine. >> Alcohol does not appear to be a factor here, but something clearly caused the situation inside the house to spiral into chaos. >> Uh, okay. So, it sounds like you guys have had some uh domestic incidences in in the past. When when was the last time that anything happened between you two where it's like a physical altercation? um at the end of at the end of July. >> Okay. >> And was that one reported or unreported to law enforcement? >> Yeah, it was reported. Okay. Is that the one where um you ended up going to jail for that? Okay. Was there anything after that between you two? >> No. >> No. Okay. What about um last weekend? Did something happen last weekend? >> Okay. Cuz it sounds like you called um Lisa where your other son is and >> Oh, yeah. I told her I wanted to say goodbye to my son cuz I was going to uh take a trip to Gracine to get my stuff in my storage unit. >> Okay. >> I say goodbye to >> Okay. She said that you were kind of upset that you and um Tom had had a fight and that you were in the woods or something. >> Yeah. >> Okay. And what was that fight about between you guys? >> I don't even remember. >> What do you guys normally fight about? What what's kind of the trigger? >> I don't know. >> I don't know. Okay. >> So, the house, I guess, looked like it was ransacked. There was stuff that was knocked over and looked like there might have been a fight or a struggle or something like that inside the house. Do you know anything about that? >> No. >> Do you remember anybody coming over or >> No. >> No. Right now, investigators only know one thing for certain. Both Kelly and Thomas were injured. The question is whether they were attacked by the same person or caught in something far more complicated. If this case has you hooked so far, you might want to subscribe. There are a lot more stories like this one on the channel. And with that, let's continue. Look >> like you might have some blood on your arm or hand there. And I also notice maybe some blood in between underneath your fingernails. >> I don't know. >> You care if I take a swab of that? >> I do. >> Cuz we're not sure. Is it Is it your blood or somebody else's or >> Cuz I don't Yeah, I don't see any injuries other than on your neck there. Um so if somebody did come in and try to attack you or something like that, we're we're hoping to get that as evidence. Um cuz we're we're like I said, we're really not sure what happened. Um [cough and clears throat] >> I know. I don't The last thing I remember we were painting painting the dresser. >> You don't you don't remember anybody coming over and trying to cause problems? Do you remember if you and and Tom got in a fight or anything like that? >> Do you remember anything? Jewel was in the yard. >> Jewel. >> Jewel. My dog. She was laying in the driveway. I was sitting in the chair on the porch. And Tom He just got done cutting some boards for the >> for the dresser >> for the board that were put our TV on. >> Oh, okay. So, you guys are putting like a shelf up or something. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Because our TV's bigger than the dresser, so we had to build something to put the TV on. >> Okay. >> And we were painting everything black. All right. >> Then what's the next thing that happened after you guys were he was cutting the board? >> That's that's all I remember. Then I came here. >> Okay. Do you remember being at the Black River Hospital at all? >> No. >> Riding in the ambulance? >> No. >> Okay. >> Do you remember how you got hung up in the rafters? >> No. >> Anything about that? No, >> nothing. >> You don't remember anybody coming over or >> No, nothing. >> And you don't just blink from >> Sure. >> Do you remember? Investigators uncover a history of conflict between Kelly and Thomas. According to Kelly, there had been violence before. Her children had even confronted Thomas over it. But if someone wanted revenge against Thomas, why attack Kelly, too? >> I can't remember. >> I can't remember. Well, it's pretty important to us to try to figure out what happened because like I said, >> it looks like there might have been some kind of a altercation or or some ransacking or something that went on in your house is what I've been told. Um >> I don't know. >> You don't know what happened? Well, that's why we're trying to figure out. And I saw that on that on your right palm there, it looks like you got some some blood or something on there. I'd like to swab that just in case it might have been from, you know, somebody that had come into the house. >> Would that be okay to do that? >> And I also like to scrape underneath your fingernails if that would be okay. And I'd like to get a picture of your injury on your neck. I'm not going to take any kind of medical device off. I just want to get a picture. Is that okay if we do that? >> Yeah. >> All right. All right, >> I got my camera here cuz it's got a hole right here. So, I can see your neck injury there. You got a pretty good burn >> from the rope. >> Okay. I want to make sure it's the two of us. >> Well, let's get >> I want to make sure he's okay because >> I tell you what, I'm gonna >> I'm going to go get some stuff to do those swabs if that's all right. And I'll call and see if I can get an update on Tom. I need to know if he's okay. >> Okay. >> I guess um do you remember why he wouldn't be okay or why? What? >> Well, they were telling me he's in the hospital. >> Sure. Um well, you know, obviously we said that he looked like he has some sort of um you know, stab wound or cut mark or something like that. So, we he's got some he has some puncture wounds that were causing him to bleed pretty badly and we don't know how he got him, if he was stabbed or if he was if he got something fell on him or he got cut or or how that happened, you know, but >> Okay. >> He's not able to talk with us. You know anything about that? >> I don't. >> All right. >> You remember like rendering first aid to him or >> No. >> Okay. Sitting in that hospital room, Kelly has no idea how quickly this investigation is moving. Behind the scenes, detectives are beginning to uncover details that could change the entire case. >> Um, am I under arrest? >> No. Nope. We're just trying to figure out what happened. >> Me, too. I wouldn't know what happened >> cuz as far as we know it was only >> an accident or something or >> I mean as far as we know it was just you you two there, you know. So obviously we just have to talk to you guys to figure out what was going on. It's okay if I take a picture of your lip too. You want to kind of um your bottom lip. Hold it out a little. >> No, I won't. >> Okay. All right. No, no face pictures, please. >> Okay. Well, I can make it just so it's the bottom lip portion, but >> Okay. >> Oh my god. I don't know. My son. Well, like like I said, as far as what we know so far is that you were found in the in the garage with some sort of, you know, rope or dog le >> Detectives keep coming back to one detail they can't ignore. Kelly wasn't found inside the house. She was found in the garage with a rope around her neck. >> You know, the only two that were there were you and him as far as we know. You know, that's why we wanted to talk to you as soon as possible just to figure out if somebody else was there, if you remember anybody else being there. >> Okay. >> Well, he's gonna call and find find out what his um condition is. He was transported to Marshfield. So, >> why did they take him somewhere else? Well, he had pretty serious wounds that needed to be treated just like you obviously had pretty serious wounds that need to be treated and Black River can't handle that stuff. >> What happened to him? >> We don't know. That's why we're hoping you could fill us in. >> I I want to know if he's okay. It's just a two. >> Sure. And how long have you guys been together? >> 11 years. >> Oh, okay. Okay. So, yeah, a long time. >> Yes. I hope it's okay. >> So, these uh domestic stuff, is that something new to your relationship or has it always been like that? >> No, he treats. Okay. >> Kelly describes a relationship filled with fear. According to her, whenever Thomas drank heavily, things could become violent very quickly. Now, on my Patreon, watch the interrogation of a father accused of killing his baby. The detective snaps and starts hitting him on camera. See the full video at patreon.com/strangerstories. Plus, >> like every time or is there Okay. And that's been going on throughout the whole relationship. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> It's been getting worse, you know. And I told him, "You need to stop drinking. You need to stop drinking. Please stop drinking because I don't want to get hurt no more." >> Sure. >> And the last two times, it sounds like you said in at the end of July, he had punched you. Um, >> yeah. I had a super super bad black eye. >> Okay. >> And did anything else? >> And they broke my nose. Okay. >> And I sat in jail for 3 days and I didn't get charged with nothing. They let me go. >> Okay. >> Because >> did you have to go to the hospital for the broken nose at all? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> That's why they did cast scan and everything in front of He broke my nose. >> Oh, okay. >> He broke my hand. >> In that same incident or in the past? >> Pass. Okay. >> Rotator surgery down. >> Okay. Yeah. And so I told you guys >> So how do these incidences end then? Like how do you guys how if he's like punching you in the face and what do you do to end him? He usually doesn't. I mean, you know. Well, it ended up me going to jail. I was getting out of there. I just got out of there. >> Okay. >> God, we on the street. >> Okay. >> I wanted to get away. >> Sure. When Kelly says that she just wanted to get away, detectives immediately pay attention. Because if that's true, it may explain why she ended up in the garage that night. >> And has nothing even happened yesterday? Nothing even happened. >> Okay. >> Do you know why you wouldn't remember? If if you said you only had a couple shots, is there anything else that >> Yeah. No, cuz I remember all the way up until we were painting the dresser and then I woke up here. >> Okay. >> It's so weird. >> Um >> like I have I can't even It's like a whole blank. >> Sure. Do >> you remember any bits and pieces of like riding in the ambulance or >> nothing? >> Okay. >> All right. So, if you're willing to allow me, I just wanted in case that it's something that might be valuable to us later. You never know. It could be nothing. I don't know. But it looks like this might be blood here. I don't know for sure. It could be from someone they were working. >> And then did you cut yourself there or what's that from? >> What do you remember how you cut yourself or >> do you have any other >> like blood or anything like that that you noticed on you? >> Paint. Okay. >> Here. I'm gonna do one more since I got it. Might as well use it. >> Paint cuz we're painting. >> Sure. >> Oh my goodness. I need to know if he's okay. >> Well, he was going to the captain was going to get back to me here shortly, he said. But he's uh they're working. I'm trying to collect the evidence and stuff out here. See, he had a pretty bad cut or, you know, puncture mark or whatever it was. >> Time does >> he was Yeah, he was bleeding pretty pretty good, you know. Did you talk to anybody else yesterday afternoon at all before you guys were painting? Did you call anybody after court to let them know how court went or >> I want my son to come here? >> Well, like I said, you can certainly ask the staff. I don't know what the visitation protocol is, >> you know. So I suppose I don't >> Is she thinking that I got him? >> We don't know what happened. We weren't there and the only ones that were there are you and him. So that's why we're trying to talk to you guys. hurting him like this. I love him. >> Sure. >> I love him. >> And we're not saying that you did hurt him. We just have to try to figure out what happened. Obviously, >> even while describing violence and fear, Kelly insists she never wanted Thomas harmed. >> This is a freaking >> Do they say when you can get it off or No. Well, like like I said, I mean, you got quite the mark on, you know, I don't know if you've been able to see it or not, but it's >> No. >> Yeah. I'm not good. >> Yeah, I think so. >> Oh, come on. You could have did better than >> Well, I don't like I said, I really I'm afraid I don't want to hurt you. >> So, I hate dirty feeling. >> Could be just paint, but maybe it's something that will help us figure out what was going on. So, >> so that cut then on your um right there is do you know what that's from or you don't know? Was that something prior to yesterday or no? >> I don't know. >> I don't know. >> Okay. >> I have no idea. >> Okay. >> Cops begin approaching the story from different angles, hoping they can trigger Kelly's memory. When you guys do have these uh incidences where he's hitting you, have you ever had to like defend yourself or >> like have you ever had to hit him to get him off >> Well, yeah. >> Okay. So you had to hit them to get them off of you sort of thing. >> Yes. >> Sure. >> Okay. Has any has you ever had to do that before? hit him with any objects or has he ever caused um substantial injuries to you before where he broke anything or you said something about your shoulder when he pushed you down. Yeah. >> Okay. >> I had surgery repair. >> Okay. because of him and what happened? >> Yeah, but I didn't tell him that was him. >> Okay. >> And I was broken, too. >> Uh during that same incident with the rotator cuff? >> No, that was a different >> Oh, different one. >> So, with the rotator cuff one, then did you have to um hit him to get him off of you at all or he? >> No, he pushed me outside. >> Oh, okay. And then what happened after he pushed you? >> He locked the door. >> Oh, okay. And how long ago was that one? >> Like years or Okay. Do you know uh how many years ago it was? No. It wasn't years >> like in the last year. >> Oh, okay. >> So, in the last few years it happened. >> Would you say things have been worse with you guys in the last year or has it been worse in the past? >> Worse in the last year. Is there some sort of I mean besides co and being you know locked up together at home is there any other like like why it's getting why it was getting worse or >> Oh no. >> Okay. Is there anything that's changed? >> I don't know. I told him that's what I told him. You got to stop drinking because you turn into Dr. Jack Mr. Hyde. >> Sure. Has he been drinking more than Okay. more recently than he has in the past. >> Okay. >> The relationship wasn't simply unhealthy. Kelly describes a situation she believes was becoming increasingly dangerous. >> Yes. And my daughter told my mom again. When was that? >> What happened during that incident that she had to pull a gun on them? >> Well, just cuz they have I They have >> What? What? >> He came to pick me up at her house. >> Okay. So, he he came to pick you up from her house and then what happened that caused her to pull a gun on him? >> Nothing. Just nothing. Did he say or do something or >> she just told him? >> Was Was she referring to that other incident? >> Was she referring to the incident in July or something? Oh, okay. All right. That makes sense. >> Did she remember something else? >> Oh, she was just talking about how we were talking about past domestic stuff. >> Up until now, Kelly still seems to be holding on to hope, but that hope is about to disappear. Kelly, this is Sergeant Edington. He's uh he came over to unfortunately break some news to you. Um is it Tom or Thomas? Does he go by Tom? >> Is he your boyfriend? Is that what friend? I don't know what the Is he your boyfriend? >> Okay. So, I just got notified from Marshfield that he has passed away. >> You're kidding me. No, no, no, no, no, no, [crying] no. God, no. No, no, no, no. No god. [screaming and groaning] No. No. No. No. No. Please. God. No. >> Do you have a [clears throat] >> Oh my god. Please no. >> Do you have a next for him? >> Oh my god. This is one of the most emotional parts of the entire investigation. Viewer discretion is advised. [screaming] >> Please get this off of me. >> Please get the offer. >> Oh my god. have to take some deep breaths. >> No. No. >> No. No. No. No. >> She's gonna make herself hyperventilate. >> Oh my god. >> She's going to make herself hyperventilate. So, I just wanted to make you aware. >> Okay. I just want to make sure that Try to take some deep breaths. >> You got to leave it on. >> Leave it on. >> Take some deep breaths. I know. >> Oh my god. Try to try to breathe. He's my everything. Oh my god. Oh my god. Please, God. No. No. I need you. He needs me. I need him. Oh my god. No. [laughter] Here. [groaning] Here. Take this. >> It might be something. >> If you want to hold on to something that >> I get it. >> I understand. No, no, no, no, God. Please, God. >> Oh, please God. >> Please, no. He's okay. Is he okay? >> I'm just going to put your You want to adjust your >> collar? Let me adjust your >> color. Oh my god. Is my [crying] >> What is he be okay? He's going to be okay. He's going to be okay. Who did this? He's gonna be okay, right? >> Please tell me he's gonna be okay. Oh my god. What is happening? What is happening? >> Kelly completely breaks down. At this point, detectives can barely continue the conversation. Before we continue, just know there's a lineup of original true crime themed gear over at strangerlelabel.com. It's all made with a distinct look that fits the tone of the cases we dive into. You can see everything right now at strangerleabel.com. And now back to the case. >> Oh no. Who did this? Who did this? What the [ __ ] That's what we're going to try to figure out. >> Oh my god. Oh my god. What is happening? Oh my god. What is happening? I need you. Oh my god. Oh god, no. No. No. Please God, no. Take me is dead. What the hell? Oh my god. He's >> not alone, Kelly. It's okay. >> Kelly, they're worried about your neck. So, you got to leave it on. Okay. >> My neck is okay. >> No, >> my neck is fine. >> I I know that you might think that, but they are concerned about it. So, you got to you got to leave it on. Okay. Just focus on taking breath. No, no, no, no. Who did this? Oh my god. >> There you go. Focus on taking a breath. >> I know it's a lot to You're okay. >> Over and over again, Kelly wants to know who is responsible. Kelly desperately wants answers. She wants a name. She wants someone to blame. But the closer detectives get to the truth, the more that search begins pointing somewhere completely unexpected. because there was no mystery attacker and no intruder. According to investigators, the person responsible had been sitting in front of them the entire time. It was Kelly. The person they had been treating as a victim was actually their suspect. While she pretended that she couldn't remember what happened, Thomas was fighting for his life. After being stabbed, he somehow managed to make it out of the house and reach a neighbor's home looking for help. He was bleeding heavily, but he was still alive. He was still trying to survive. First responders rushed him to the hospital and doctors fought to save him. But despite those efforts, Thomas Botcher died from his injuries. At the crime scene, Kelly had tried, too, but was saved by the first responders who were there because of Thomas's efforts to survive. In the end, Thomas lost his life. And Kelly lost the one thing she needed most, a believable explanation. >> You're supposed to do the notebook. >> Are you talking about the the movie or something else? You know, >> when did you guys start dating? Is it all right if I sit down? We're going to try to figure out what >> do the best I can. If you know anything, you got to help us out. Okay. I don't know nothing about >> I'm just saying if you >> why I'm here. [singing] >> You remember when you and Tom started dating? >> Yeah, we said you met in the third grade. You guys were friends. He passed away. He passed away. When did he pass away? >> I guess he passed away sometime today. Earlier today Oh my god. >> He was at the Marshfield Hospital. I'm not sure if it was the clinic for the hospital or what that's him. He was my everything. He was my He took care of me. He took care of me. Please find out. >> What makes you think somebody did this to him? Could it have been an accident? >> Oh my god. >> You think it could have been an accident? >> Why don't you think it could have been an accident? >> I don't know. I don't know anything. >> Okay. >> I don't know anything. I remember being in the dresser. >> Sure. And then you said that he was cutting a board for the for your TV. >> Yeah. >> What kind of a saw was he using? Do you remember? >> A chainsaw. We just bought it. >> A chainsaw or a jigsaw? >> A jigsaw. >> Okay. Do you think something could have happened with the saw? >> Something strange. Need something to drink. >> Oh, here. >> Oh my god. I can't do this without him. >> I know it's a lot to take in. >> Oh my god. He's my best friend. My best friend. He was my everything. What the hell? Oh my god. The devil came. Oh, this is so terrible. What? We were supposed to hold each other's hands. We were supposed to hold each other's hand when we died together. Oh my god. I can't believe he's gone. No. No. No. >> Do you want me to get the chaplain? >> Yes. Please, God, please. >> Oh my god. I can't believe he's gone. He was my everything. He was my everything. He took care of me every day. Oh, dear Lord. How long were you guys? You said you known since the third grade. >> Yes. Detectives continue giving Kelly opportunities to explain what happened, but by now the investigation has moved beyond words. According to court records and local reporting, Kelly Schmidt was initially charged with firstdegree intentional homicide while using a dangerous weapon along with a repeater enhanced due to a prior conviction. She later entered a no contest plea and was convicted of firstdegree reckless homicide as a crime of domestic violence for the fatal stabbing of Thomas Botcher. She was sentenced to 20 years consisting of 10 years in prison followed by 10 years of extended supervision. Hopefully you enjoyed the video. If you did, there is a Patreon link in the description where you can support the channel further. Thank you for watching. I'll see you in the next one.