Wisconsin man accused of killing estranged wife more than 3 months after her disappearance

DODGE COUNTY, Wis. (TCN) -- A 43-year-old man who was initially charged on suspicion of using his estranged wife’s debit card after her disappearance is now accused of killing her.

The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office first announced the disappearance of 37-year-old Crystal Rasch on June 27, but according to WISN-TV, she was last seen on June 11. The news source reports that friends and family became suspicious after receiving Facebook messages they suspected were not from Rasch.

Upon further investigation, detectives reportedly noticed multiple financial transactions on her accounts made by her estranged husband, Zachariah Rasch.

According to a complaint obtained by WISN, investigators found security footage from stores where Rasch used his estranged wife’s card. In total, Rasch allegedly spent $6,000 on the victim’s credit card, including purchases of cleaning gloves and drain and carpet cleaner. Authorities initially arrested him on multiple counts of alleged unauthorized use of an individual’s personal identifying information.

In a complaint reviewed by WISN, officials said they searched Zachariah Rasch’s home and discovered a burn area on the property, as well as bone fragments and a tooth. The remnants were reportedly identified as those of Crystal Rasch. A forensic anthropologist determined the remains had been exposed to high temperatures for a prolonged duration of time.

According to WISN, investigators also located Crystal Rasch’s blood in her estranged husband’s car, which was found at a separate property in Adams County.

In a search of the suspect’s phone, authorities purportedly saw that Zachariah Rasch looked up police tracking methods, gunshot wounds, and sulfuric use.

The sheriff’s office posted an update Sept. 20, announcing charges of first-degree intentional homicide with a domestic abuse enhancer and hiding a corpse against Zachariah Rasch.

MORE: