Beaver Dam, WI—A week-long trial has been scheduled for April next year in the case of Dylan Lenz, a teenager from Fall River accused of attempting to kill a juvenile girl in the parking lot of a Walmart in Beaver Dam in late October 2022. The charges against Lenz, 18, include attempted first-degree intentional homicide, aggravated battery, first-degree reckless injury, and hit and run, all accruing from a chilling sequence of events that authorities pieced together from security footage and subsequent admissions by the accused.
The incident unfolded just before 9 p.m. when local police responded to emergency calls about a hit and run. At the scene, they discovered a young girl from Beaver Dam with life-threatening injuries. Surveillance video was crucial in tracing the involved vehicle back to an address in Fall River, leading to the discovery of the car, which bore a license plate frame matching fragments found at the scene of the attack.
Further investigations confirmed Lenz was the driver. The complaint filed by the police stated that Lenz confessed to having “bad thoughts about murdering people.” According to the details released, Lenz assaulted the victim after a confrontation in his car, attempting to strangle her and stabbing her shoulder repeatedly with a boxcutter.
The attack escalated when the girl escaped the vehicle, screaming for help. Lenz reportedly chased her in his car as she ran downhill. Fearing implications of the assault, he inadvertently ran over her when she stumbled and fell. He fled the scene only when another vehicle arrived.
During questioning, Lenz reportedly gave a chilling confession, revealing that if he had not been interrupted, he would have disposed of the victim’s body using a garbage bag or by burying it. He also expressed remorseless reflections on the assault, noting he was “out of control” and that his “body just took over.”
The severe nature of these crimes has drawn attention not only due to the brutality displayed but also due to the young age of the accused. Legal experts commenting on the case note that the charges, particularly attempted first-degree intentional homicide, carry severe penalties. If convicted of this charge alone, Lenz could face up to 60 years in prison—a substantial portion of a life term, reflecting the gravity of his alleged actions.
The community has been left reeling from the events, prompting discussions on youth crime and mental health issues. Local community leaders have called for enhanced security measures and more resources for mental health to prevent such incidents in the future.
As the trial date approaches, the prosecution is expected to present a detailed case, heavily relying on the video evidence and the defendant’s own admissions. Meanwhile, Lenz’s defense will likely focus on his psychological state and intent at the time of the incident, crucial factors that could influence the outcome of the trial.
The case continues to develop as both sides prepare for what promises to be a closely watched legal battle that will test the boundaries of criminal liability and mental health in criminal law.