Three dead following double murder, suicide

Family members and the entire community are mourning a double murder and suicide that rocked the county over the past week.

Becky Mann, 43, and her husband Josh Mann, 44, were shot and killed at their town of Pershing home located in the 14000 block of CTH M on the night of April 9.

According to Taylor County Sheriff Corey Dassow, on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at approximately 10 p.m., the Taylor County Sheriff's Office Dispatch Center received a 9-1-1 call requesting emergency medical services for two severely injured adults that were located inside the residence. Taylor County Deputies, along with Taylor County emergency medical services, were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, deputies discovered two deceased adults located inside the residence.

The couple was discovered by their teenaged daughter who made the 9-1-1 call.

The Taylor County Sheriff’s Department quickly responded. Sheriff Corey Dassow contacted the Wisconsin Department of Criminal Investigations and received offers of support from law enforcement agencies in neighboring counties and throughout the region.

The preliminary investigation identified a single suspect, Kadyn D. Hadden, 15. In the hours and days that followed locating Kadyn became a major focus of law enforcement efforts.

According to Dassow, there was connection between Kadyn and the family, See INVESTIGATION on page 4 however the exact nature of that connection remains under investigation as does the timeline of events of the night of the murders. Dassow said law enforcement is still piecing things together by going through such things as cellphone logs.

Dassow said that what they are certain of is that Kadyn acted alone and that it was not a random attack, allowing them to announce on April 10 that despite Kadyn still being at large, there was no danger to the general community.

Despite these assurances there were significant concerns especially in the Gilman area where school buildings were put on a soft lockdown following the murders. On the night of April 10, even before the names of the victims had been formally announced, Gilman school board met with an agenda item to look at the process of filling a vacancy on the board. Josh Mann had recently been elected to serve on school board and was set to take office later this month.

Several Gilman area businesses and government offices were closed on April 11 out of an abundance of caution.

The search of the residence and of the nearby area continued and according to Taylor County Sheriff Corey Dassow, on Saturday, April 12, at approximately 12:40 p.m., law enforcement personnel located the silver in color 2012 Chevrolet Impala that was being driven by Kaydn. It was found on private property in Price County. Upon contact with the vehicle, a deceased male subject was located inside. The male subject was positively identified as Kadyn.

According to Dassow, preliminary investigation indicates that Kadyn died as a result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The weapon matched the one used in the murder of Becky and Josh Mann.

While the discovery of Kadyn’s remains brought to an end the active search for him, according to Dassow, the incident as a whole remains under investigation. Investigators continue to piece together the events of that night and Kadyn’s whereabouts before his body was discovered. Law enforcement is also looking at potential motives that lad to the tragedy with the hope of providing closure to the families and individuals involved.

“We would like to offer our condolences to the families involved in this tragic incident,” Dassow said.

Dassow praised the investigators and other members of the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office who worked around the clock on case. He praised their dedication and commitment specifically praising chief deputy Chad Kowalczyk and the detectives for their tireless and ongoing efforts.

Dassow said he continues to be thankful for the ongoing assistance from law enforcement agencies through the region. He thanked the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), Wisconsin State Crime Lab, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Wisconsin State Patrol, Price County Sheriff’s Office, Wood County Sheriff’s Office, Barron County Sheriff’s Office, Stanley Police Department, Rice Lake Police Department, Gilman Police Department, Medford Police Department, Clark County Sheriff’s Office, Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office, Taylor County District Attorney's Office, and Taylor County Medical Examiner's Office for their efforts.