In a case that’s more complex than a two-for-one sale on mystery novels, Tony Haase, a Wisconsin man, has been acquitted of double murder charges despite allegedly confessing to the crimes. The haunting story dates back to March 1992, when the bodies of Tanna Togstad and Timothy Mumbrue were discovered in Togstad’s farmhouse, leading to a decades-long quest for justice. But justice took an unexpected twist when Haase was linked to the scene through DNA found years later, reigniting interest in the cold case.
During police questioning, Haase claimed he only remembered snippets of the night but allegedly showed concern that he was involved after seeing news reports about the murders. His defense argued he was coerced into confessing rather than admitting guilt willingly, which turned up the heat in the courtroom drama. As they pointed fingers toward possible alternative suspects, including Haase’s late uncle and a convicted murderer with a history of false confessions, the jury was left with a serious decision to make.
In August 2025, the jury delivered a surprise verdict of not guilty, leading to heated discussions and legal fallouts, including a $17 million civil lawsuit filed by Togstad’s brother against Haase. With so many layers to peel back, one has to wonder: what is the price of justice when it’s so entangled with self-incrimination and circumstantial evidence? It’s a true-life thriller that leaves us all questioning, where does the truth really lie?
About the Author
Ava Hart
Ava Hart is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
