Six years after a rural Jefferson County farmhouse was left in ruins and two people were killed, authorities say the man they believe is responsible, Kevin P. Anderson, is still on the run. Investigators accuse Anderson of gunning down his sister and brother-in-law, torching the family property, and trading gunfire with a responding deputy. They stress that he should be considered armed and dangerous.
The Jefferson County District Attorney has charged Anderson with two counts of first-degree intentional homicide, one count of attempted first-degree intentional homicide, arson, and possession of a firearm by a felon, according to WMTV. Prosecutors and investigators identify the victims as Nedra J. Lemke and her husband, James H. Lemke, and say the shootings happened on June 16, 2020, at a family property in the Town of Sumner. The case remains an active homicide investigation nearly six years after their deaths.
What the wanted poster says
According to a wanted poster from the U.S. Marshals Service, investigators believe Anderson shot the couple at their farmhouse, then set the home on fire and opened fire on a Jefferson County sheriff's deputy who responded to the scene. A warrant for his arrest was issued on June 26, 2020, the poster states (U.S. Marshals Service).
The marshals describe Anderson as about 6 feet tall and roughly 200 pounds, with blue eyes and brown hair. The poster notes that he is an avid hunter and camper, details that suggest he is comfortable spending time outdoors. It instructs law enforcement to verify warrants through NCIC and urges anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact the U.S. Marshals Service or call 1-877-926-8332.
How to report tips
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office is again reminding residents that the investigation is still very much active. Officials are asking anyone who sees Anderson or has information about him not to confront him, but instead to immediately contact Detective Ryan Viney at 920-674-7310, according to WMTV. Authorities say tips can also be relayed to federal partners so they can be checked by trained personnel.
Investigators repeatedly emphasize that Anderson should be treated as armed and dangerous and that any attempt to locate or arrest him should be left to law enforcement.
Case status and community impact
The warrant that went out in June 2020 is still outstanding and the search, officials say, has not let up. The U.S. Marshals poster highlights Anderson's hunting and camping background, which investigators say could complicate efforts to track him down. The unsolved killings continue to cast a long shadow over the small communities where Nedra and James Lemke once lived. U.S. Marshals Service
