William and Danielle Beyer. Legacy.com photo

KAUKAUNA — Will Beyer was a super smart little boy, always asking “why?” His sister, Dani, was always extremely curious and never afraid of anything. That’s how the two Kaukauna children were remembered in their obituary following their tragic deaths.

But in this second anniversary of the shocking killings of William, then 5, and Danielle, then 3, the wheels of justice continue to grind slowly toward a resolution.

Will and Dani were found dead Feb. 17, 2020 in their apartment on Crooks Avenue. Their father, Matthew Beyer, has been charged with two counts of first-degree intentional homicide in the deaths of his two children.

The killings stunned the community.

A memorial quickly grew outside of the children’s home, and within weeks, about 60 people attended the vigil, which was decorated with orange and black balloons.

Stuffed animals, which had been left as a memorial outside the children’s Crooks Avenue home, were brought to the vigil and later moved to the family memorial service.

Now, two years later, the community still grieves.

Among those awaiting the outcome of the court case is Kaukauna Mayor Tony Penterman, who posted Thursday to his Facebook page.

“730 Days ago our community was shocked to learn of the tragic deaths of 2 young innocent children,” Penterman wrote. “As we await further proceedings I ask that you continue to keep the family in your thoughts and prayers and that justice eventually be served for William and Danielle and as a community we continue to remain Kaukauna STRONG!”

Matthew Beyer’s trial has been scheduled to begin in September 2022.

He has pleaded not guilty and is being held on a $2.5 million cash bond.


Previously: Beyer children remembered for curiosity, sense of adventure

Previously: Kaukauna comes together at vigil to honor Will and Dani Beyer

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By Dan Plutchak

Dan Plutchak, born and raised in Kaukauna, is cofounder of Kaukauna Community News.