While I was at my step-uncle Richard Lacy’s funeral on Wednesday, I learned of a horrible tragedy that had happened in Madison the day before. Ryan Dutter, formerly of Beloit, shot his disabled 12-year-old son and then killed himself.
I didn’t know Ryan personally. I went to school for many years with his older brother Pat, and Ryan was in my step-brother Dan Schooff’s grade. I often saw their mother Rosemary running around town, especially last year when we were looking for a bigger house.
It’s hard to imagine what could drive Ryan to such an act. I always respected his family and enjoyed their company, and it’s awful to contemplate what a horror this must be for them all.
