The suspect in Saturday’s murder-suicide had a history of domestic abuse charges dating back to 2009, according to court records.
The Dane County Medical Examiner identified the deceased as 39-year-old James Sykes and 34-year-old Sherry Waller. Sykes, who had a lengthy history of domestic abuse cases against him, was identified by police as the suspect.
Dating back to 2009, Sykes either plead guilty or was found guilty of domestic abuse on three occasions. He was convicted of felony domestic abuse in 2016, which disqualified him from owning a firearm.
Madison Police Chief Mike Koval said the origins of the gun used in the murder-suicide are being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Koval said police believed two children were present in the house during the shooting, which came just hours after a birthday celebration for a 3-year-old. None of the children were hurt in the shooting, and they are now staying with family members.
Waller was the mother of five children, ranging in age from 3 to 14 years old. None of her children are related to Sykes, whom she had been dating. She is the fourth homicide victim in Madison this year.
Koval underscored the crime’s significance coming just two days before the beginning of October, which is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Speaking Monday with Shannon Barry, executive director for Domestic Abuse Intervention Services, Koval said many victims of domestic abuse do not come forward out of fear of retaliation.
He said Waller had been one of these victims, following a series of threats against her by Sykes which made her family concerned for her well-being.
