On June 12, 1963, Wayne Pratt, 24 years old, was killed in a brutal attack at the gas station he operated near his home in Winnebago County, Wisconsin. For nearly six decades, the case remained unsolved, leaving his family and community searching for answers. Recent advancements in forensic science, however, finally brought justice to this cold case.
The Night of the Crime
Wayne lived with his wife Marie and their two-year-old son Mark in a house just 50 feet from the Enco gas station he managed. Wayne and Marie had married in May 1960, but their life together was tragically cut short just three years later.
On the evening of June 12, around 8:40 p.m., a car pulled up to the station. Wayne went to assist the potential customer while Marie stayed behind watching television.
After about 15 minutes, Marie noticed the station’s lights were off, something Wayne typically kept on during business hours. Concerned, she walked over to check on him. Inside the station’s back room, she found Wayne lying face down on the floor, partially covered by a blanket. His feet were tangled in some tires and a battery charger had been knocked over. Wayne had been stabbed 53 times, primarily in the back and side.
The violent nature of the crime shocked both law enforcement and the community. Robbery appeared to be the motive, as the cash register had been emptied except for a few coins, and approximately $250 was missing. Despite this, the number of stab wounds and the chaotic scene left investigators wondering if something more than a robbery was at play.
The Investigation Stalls
Detectives interviewed witnesses, including Marie, who recalled seeing two cars near the station that evening. One was described as a white Chevrolet or Pontiac, the other an older two-toned blue Buick. Police hoped to locate the drivers of these vehicles for more information, but neither came forward.
Leads were pursued, but none panned out. Months turned into years with little progress.
A Cold Case Reopened
In 2011, nearly five decades after Wayne’s murder, investigators revisited the evidence with the hope that advancements in DNA technology could finally help identify his killer. Biological samples, including DNA found on the blanket covering Wayne, were sent for testing.
In 2015, Sorenson Forensics analyzed the evidence and detected DNA mixtures on the blanket. However, because the DNA was a combination from multiple sources, it could not be entered into criminal databases to identify a suspect.
Three years later, in 2018, a warrant was issued for William Doxtator of Bowler, Wisconsin. Doxtator, who was 82 at the time, had been identified as a suspect shortly after the murder in 1963. Investigators had also received tips about him in 1968 and again in 2022. Despite this, the DNA results from the mixed evidence remained inconclusive until further advancements were made.
Advancements in DNA Testing
In 2024, Cybergenetics used updated technology to piece together a clear DNA profile from the evidence. Their analysis linked Doxtator to the DNA on the blanket, providing the crucial evidence authorities needed to officially refer a charge of first-degree intentional homicide to the Winnebago County District Attorney’s Office.
Case Closure
With Doxtator deceased, he passed away in 2022 at the age of 86, justice could not be pursued in court. However, investigators were confident in their findings. The DNA evidence, combined with historical records and tips over the years, led to the official closure of Wayne Pratt’s case.
Marie’s Life After Tragedy
After Wayne’s death, Marie remarried and went on to have two more sons. She lived a full life, but the loss of her first husband was a tragedy that no doubt stayed with her. In her obituary, a heartfelt message to her loved ones read:
"I am home in heaven dear ones. There is perfect joy and beauty in the everlasting light. All the pain and grief are over, every restless tossing passed; I am now at peace forever, safely home in heaven at last. Then you must not grieve so sorely, for I love you dearly still. Try to look beyond earth's shadows, pray to trust our Father's will."
Marie passed away at the age of 82 on July 2, 2023, surrounded by the her family.
Preserving Wayne’s Memory
The resolution of Wayne Pratt’s case underscores the importance of preserving evidence and advancing forensic science. While the answers came too late for traditional justice, identifying the perpetrator ensured that Wayne’s story, and the tireless efforts to solve his murder, will not be forgotten.
Wayne Pratt
William Doxtator
