Gary Herbst Identification: A Family Secret Unraveled in Barron County

In June 2020, the skull of Gary Herbst was identified through investigative genetic genealogy, three years after its discovery by a dog in rural Barron County, Wisconsin. Gary, 57, had been reported missing in 2013 by his wife, Connie Herbst, at the urging of family, six years after his actual disappearance. Connie had initially claimed Gary left in an 'older gray Honda vehicle' after grabbing a suitcase, stating she did not see who was driving.

Investigation and Mounting Inconsistencies

Detective Jeff Nelson of the Barron County Sheriff's Office located Connie Herbst and their son, Austin Herbst, in Minnesota following the identification. Both individuals exhibited a stoic demeanor when informed of Gary's identification.

Special Agent Brent Petersen of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension identified Connie's initial failure to report Gary missing as a point of significant concern.

Connie stated she did not believe reporting was necessary as Gary had left voluntarily. She described Gary as a volatile, angry drug user who engaged in physical abuse. Austin reported intervening in arguments between his parents and stated his father became enraged on the day he left, also claiming Gary stole cash and his mother's wedding ring.

Evolving Accounts and Polygraph Results

Investigators noted several inconsistencies in Connie's accounts, including conflicting statements about her presence when Gary left and the omission of a stolen .40 caliber gun in her initial report. A polygraph test indicated deception by Austin, while Connie's results did not show deception. Austin's description of a heavily tattooed man picking up his father evolved across multiple interviews, leading investigators to suspect the account was fabricated.

Neighborhood Insights and Physical Evidence

Neighbors characterized Gary Herbst as an aggressive individual known for confrontational behaviors. Witnesses Kaia and Chad Kraml recalled observing unusual activity at the Herbst home around the time Gary disappeared, including a truck backed up to the sliding glass door during a storm.

They saw Austin and Connie scrubbing floors and loading large garbage bags, possibly including a rug or carpet, into the truck.

Neighbors also noted a marked improvement in Connie and Austin's demeanor following Gary's disappearance, with the family conducting a yard sale that included men's items.

Forensic Discoveries

A cadaver dog, Radar, with its handler Officer Dan Moldenhauer, detected the odor of human remains at the former Herbst residence. Alerts were registered near a red stain previously observed by the new homeowner in a bedroom and around the sliding glass back door. Luminol testing subsequently indicated the presence of blood in these specific areas.

Confession, Arrests, and Sentencing

During a third interview, Austin Herbst confessed to shooting his father on July 8, 2013. He detailed a history of abuse by Gary, including physical violence towards him and his mother. Austin stated he found his father (who had been drinking) on the couch, retrieved a gun, and shot him in the head, citing a belief that his mother's and his own lives were in danger.

Austin then contacted his mother, and together they wrapped Gary's body in a rug, placed it in their car's trunk, drove to Wisconsin, and disposed of it in a forest, anticipating wildlife would consume the remains.

Charges and Judicial Outcomes

On November 19, 2020, Connie, then 62, and Austin, then 26, were arrested and subsequently charged with second-degree murder. Austin pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, and Connie pleaded guilty to 'aiding an offender – accomplice after the fact.'

Prosecutors Mike Groh and Sarah Wendorf recommended higher sentences, disputing the self-defense claims and emphasizing the callous body disposal, noting no prior reports of abuse.

Austin was sentenced to 12 years and six months, with eligibility for release in 2029; the judge deemed his claims of fearing for his mother's life credible. Connie received a sentence of two years and three months, serving three months before her release in May 2022. Austin stated he would repeat his actions under similar circumstances and expressed a desire to establish a legacy separate from his father's murder.