By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Prairie du Chien man arrested after child is killed
Chase Harville
Chase Harville

PRAIRIE DU CHIEN - On Friday, July10, Crawford County was shaken with the news of a manhunt underway for Prairie du Chien resident Chase Harville.

According to a press release from the Crawford County Sheriff’s Department, the department was investigating the death of a three-year-old boy that occurred in the early morning hours of July 10 in rural Prairie du Chien Township. The public was notified that they were seeking assistance in locating Chase M. Harville, 29.

According to the release, Harville had fled the scene of the death on foot. At the time, it was unknown if Harville was armed. The public was advised not to engage him if he was sighted.

Later that day, according to another release from the Sheriff’s Department, Harville was apprehended at 2 p.m. in the woods behind the County N residence.

Harville was held in the Crawford County Jail on a Charge of First-Degree Reckless Homicide, pending a bond hearing.

Harville has had several convictions in recent years that may shed light on the current case.

In March of 2015, Harville was convicted in Crawford County Circuit Court of the Class H Felony of Child Abuse - Intentionally Cause Harm after pleading guilty. The clerks minutes from the proceedings indicate that at his sentencing hearing it was recommended that his sentence would be five years in prison, with two years of initial confinement and three years extended supervision to run consecutive to the sentence he was serving.

In May of 2019, Harville was in Crawford County Circuit Court for a paternity hearing. The petitioner in the case was Erica Kapinus, whose address was listed in the court records as being on County N. Resulting from the proceedings, Harville was ordered to pay health insurance and expenses.

Harville’s initial appearance will take place on Wednesday, July 22, at 3 p.m.