Wisconsin Woman Charged in Husband’s 2020 Murder
MILWAUKEE, WI—Cassandra J. Hult, 28, faces charges of first-degree reckless homicide following her arrest last month for the 2020 killing of her husband, Jose Santiago. Santiago’s body was discovered with a fatal gunshot wound to the back of the head, left in a car at St. Adalbert Cemetery.
How it happened
The incident, initially uncovered by a jogger on March 23, 2020, revealed Santiago had been shot once in the back of the head inside his vehicle. The jogger, a regular at the cemetery, noted the car had remained stationary for several days before the grim discovery was made.
Authorities, including the Milwaukee Police Department, responded to the scene, finding evidence such as a .38 caliber spent casing and items from McDonald’s in the vehicle. A receipt timestamped at 12:29 PM on Sunday, March 22, 2020, was among the items recovered.
The Investigation
Forensic analysis linked both Santiago and Hult to the crime scene, with Santiago’s DNA on a straw and Hult’s fingerprints on the McDonald’s cups. Additionally, cellphone data placed both individuals in the vicinity of the cemetery shortly before Santiago was found.
Prosecutors have added a dangerous weapon modifier to the charges, which could enhance the penalties if Hult is convicted. The case continues to develop as legal proceedings against Hult move forward.
