SURPRISING STUFF
Big violent trouble for Elkhorn in Lafayette.
On Saturday, February 21, 2026, at approximately 7:31 PM, the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center received a 911 call of a disturbance from W4708 Pine Court, Elkhorn, Wisconsin, which is in the Town of Lafayette. The call was disconnected, and squads were immediately dispatched. Upon the arrival of deputies, they located two males inside the residence who were fighting; both had apparent injuries and were bleeding. The subjects were separated and detained. Additional deputies, along with the City of Elkhorn Police and the Wisconsin State Patrol, arrived to assist.
An immediate search of the residence was conducted, during which time a white female, age 62, was located in a bedroom, unconscious. Life-saving measures were performed by deputies and Elkhorn Area Ambulance personnel. The female was pronounced dead at the scene. The two male subjects were transported to an area hospital for treatment of injuries. Joseph P Christman, age 38, of Elkhorn, is in custody in the Walworth County Jail for charges related to the altercation with the male victim at the residence. He is currently charged with 1st degree attempted homicide, aggravated battery – intent great bodily harm, strangulation and suffocation, first-degree reckless endangerment, and intimidate victim/use or attempted force, all modifiers of domestic abuse assessments, use of a dangerous weapon.
Christman made his first appearance before a Walworth County judge last Tuesday afternoon. He remains in the Walworth County jail, and he appeared in the courtroom through video call. The home Christman shared with his roommates now features a large dumpster filled with items on the driveway. Christman’s public defender hoped the judge would grant a motion for the homeowners to stop removing items from the house. However, the judge and assistant district attorney Thomas Binger disagreed with the motion. They say the homeowner renting out the home has a right to the house since the search for evidence under the warrant has ended. Christman is scheduled to return to court on March 16.
