Photo Credit: Price County Sheriff's Office
Christopher Dyer, 50, from Park Falls, was in court on Thursday, December 26, 2024.
Four victim impact statements were read at the hearing, which was just over 75 minutes in length. Five exhibits were submitted to the court. The court took judicial notice of Price County Case 23CV55, which was a harassment restraining order. The petitioner was Denise Schwarz. In that case, the court found probable cause that Dyer had engaged in harassment against Denise. On July 14, 2023, the court ordered a harassment injunction to remain in effect for a period of four years.
In Thursday's court appearance, Dyer admitted to killing Denise on April 13, 2024. He entered a guilty plea for 1st degree intentional homicide for her murder. The court found that the plea agreement was freely, voluntarily, and intelligently given and accepted the plea.
Judge Ann Knox-Bauer sentenced Dyer to life in prison. He is not allowed to apply for extended supervision for 30 years. At that time, he will be 80 years old. If, in 30 years, he is released on extended supervision, Dyer may not contact the victim's family. He must also maintain absolute sobriety and pay any restitution ordered. Dyer has already served 257 days in jail while awaiting trial and has been credited for that time.