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Woman found dead in town of Orion home
Person of interest in custody
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Andrew T. Weeden

A woman was found dead in Orion Township after emergency responders and law enforcement responded to a 911 call on Saturday afternoon.

The Communications Center received a 911 call at approximately 2:44 p.m. Saturday reporting a subject was in need of medical attention at 22004 Catherine St. in the town of Orion.  The body of Rachael A. Pauls, 32, of Muscoda, was located inside the residence, according to the Richland County Sheriff’s Department.  It appeared the victim had suffered substantial trauma to her face.

Deputies began a search for Andrew T. Weeden, 29, of Muscoda, who had reportedly fled the scene. Richland County Sheriff’s Sgt. Dane Kanable deployed K-9 TITAN who successfully tracked and located Weeden, who was detained for questioning. He was subsequently booked into the Richland County Jail on a probation violation.

Weeden is considered a person of interest in the death investigation.

Weeden has a substantial court record, including felony battery and violation of restraining order/harassment convictions.

Assisting at the scene were the Muscoda EMS, Muscoda Police Department, Richland County Coroners Office, Wisconsin State Patrol, Wisconsin Department of Justice Mobile Crime Lab and the Wisconsin Department of Criminal Investigation.

The Richland County Sheriff’s Department is working closely with the Richland County District Attorneys Office. As of Wednesday morning no charges had been filed.

“We’re being extremely careful with this because of the ongoing death investigation,” Sheriff Jim Bindl said of releasing information to the public. “An autopsy has been performed, but I can’t release that information at this time due to the investigation. We just want to make clear that there is no danger to the public.”

Funeral services for Rachael Ann Pauls will be held on Saturday, Feb. 27 at 11 a.m. at the Godager Pratt Funeral Home in Muscoda. Visitation will precede the funeral beginning at 9 a.m.