Man charged with first-degree murder in Rock River drowning

Staff Report

The man held in the drowning case of 20-year-old Casey Sheets will face new charges, including first-degree murder, a grand jury decided Thursday, June 16.

Kristopher Zaugg

Kristopher Zaugg was charged with reckless conduct Sunday, June 5, a day after Sheets went missing in the Rock River.

Police said Zaugg and Sheets got into an altercation before Sheets went overboard of a pontoon boat.

Sheets’ body was recovered a week later near Byron.

Zaugg is being held in the Winnebago County Jail on a $500,000 bond.

He now faces charges of first-degree murder and aggravated battery in a public place. The initial charge of reckless conduct, and a second count of aggravated battery, were dismissed in court Friday morning, June 17.

Zaugg’s next court appearance is scheduled for June 29 in front of Judge John Truitt.