Local Youth Charged with Attempted 1st Degree Intentional Homicide

Special News Release

September 28, 2011

On September 26, 2011, at approximately 7:50 AM, the Sauk County Sheriff’s Department was notified of a victim at St. Clare Hospital with a stab wound. Upon the deputies arrival at the hospital it was learned that Skylar Q. Funmaker had been stabbed in the abdomen. The investigation into how he was stabbed revealed that he had confronted his girlfriend’s son, Benjamin Fanning, age 16, over his bad behavior. As Funmaker attempted to take Fanning’s I-pod an argument occurred where Fanning refused to turn it over. Funmaker approached Fanning who had a large knife in his hand. Fanning made a stabbing motion towards Funmaker. Funmaker then realized he had been stabbed in the abdomen. As Funmaker backed away from Fanning, Fanning fled the residence.

Investigators further learned from the doctor that if Funmaker had not gotten medical treatment he could have died from the wound.

Investigators searched for two days for Fanning. On Wednesday, September 28, 2011, Fanning was taken into custody without incident. Fanning is currently being held in the Sauk County Jail pending his initial appearance in court.

Fanning is charged with Attempted First Degree Intentional Homicide, a Class B Felony. Upon conviction he may be sentenced to a term of imprisonment not to exceed 60 years. The investigation is continuing by the Sauk County Sheriff’s Office. Anyone with information on this case is asked to call the Sauk county Sheriff’s Office at 608-355-4495 or Sauk County Crime Stoppers at 1-888-TIP-SAUK (847-7285).

Sheriff Chip Meister