SHEBOYGAN, Wis. — A Sheboygan business became the scene of a harrowing shooting on Sept. 5 when 65-year-old Pao Lee allegedly shot a man and a 2-year-old girl, leaving the community shaken. The incident has now taken a tragic turn after authorities confirmed Lee died by suicide in his cell at the Sheboygan County Jail on Sunday, Sept. 14.
Shooting Incident at S. Business Drive
According to the criminal complaint, Sheboygan police were called around 10 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 5, to investigate a reported shooting at a business on S. Business Drive. Officers arriving at the scene discovered a man and a 2-year-old girl had been shot. The suspect, later identified as Pao Lee, was being restrained by individuals on-site, and the gun had been removed from his possession.
A witness told authorities that the male victim had taken the firearm from Lee and discarded it in a tree behind the building. Investigators later recovered the 9mm handgun, which still contained five live rounds.
Inside the building, detectives found evidence of multiple bullets striking the area, including fired cartridges in the kitchen and bullet damage to walls and the ceiling. The scene reflected the chaos of the shooting, which unfolded rapidly.
Victims’ Accounts
The adult victim, who was helping the 2-year-old get some milk in the kitchen at the time, recounted the terrifying encounter. “Lee went into his waistband, got a gun, and put it right into my face,” the victim told investigators. According to court filings, Lee reportedly said something along the lines of, “You want to die today?”
The victim tried to disarm Lee, and in the struggle, three to four shots were fired. He could not recall exactly what happened to the young child but indicated she must have been dropped or set down during the altercation. Both the adult and the child were injured but are expected to recover.
Suspect’s Motive
During questioning, Lee revealed he had discovered text messages on his wife’s phone from the male victim, which he described as sexual in nature. Court filings indicate Lee told investigators he intended to kill the man and then himself. He said he believed his gun had jammed, which prevented him from completing his plan, and he claimed he did not know he had shot the child.
Lee’s wife denied any marital infidelity but admitted to having an argument with her husband a week before the shooting regarding his suspicions.
Criminal Charges and Court Proceedings
Lee was initially charged with:
- Attempted first-degree intentional homicide
- First-degree reckless injury
He made his first appearance in Sheboygan County court on Sept. 9, with cash bond set at $2 million. He was scheduled to appear for a status conference on Sept. 15 and a preliminary hearing on Sept. 17.
Suspect’s Death in Custody
The Sheboygan County Sheriff’s Office reported that Lee died by suicide in his cell on Sunday, Sept. 14. Correctional officers discovered him during routine rounds. Authorities did not release further details about the circumstances surrounding his death.
Community Reaction
The shooting has left the Sheboygan community deeply disturbed. Residents expressed shock that a 2-year-old child was caught in such a violent event, while authorities continue to investigate the incident. Police and local officials have urged the public to remain calm and allow the judicial process to proceed.
Despite the tragic circumstances, officials confirmed the young girl and adult victim are expected to make full recoveries.
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