February 14, 2018 at 6:00 p.m.
DCI issues statewide alert for Valliere murder suspect
James Lussier has three pending warrants
DCI issues statewide alert for Valliere murder suspect
A DCI special agent sent out an alert for James B. Lussier Feb. 12 via the Wisconsin Crime Alert Network.
"James B. Lussier is wanted in connection with the homicide of Wayne Valliere Jr. that occurred in Iron Co, Wisconsin on 12/22/2017," the alert states. "Four of five suspects have been arrested in connection with the homicide and are in custody. Due to the other suspects having been arrested in various parts of the state, this Crime Alert is being sent statewide."
Lussier is described as being 6'2, 263 pounds with brown eyes, black hair and numerous tattoos.
"Lussier is wanted for Party to a Crime Conspiracy to commit 1st Degree murder and for Failure to Appear-Resisting/Obstructing in Vilas Co, related to the homicide investigation," according to the alert. "Lussier also has a warrant through the Marathon Co. Sheriff's office for Intentionally fail to submit a biological specimen."
Lussier is one of five men charged Feb. 7 with conspiracy to commit first-degree intentional homicide (as a party to a crime and while armed with a dangerous weapon) and hiding a corpse in the death of Valliere Jr. Also charged were Richard F.A. Allen, 27, of Lac du Flambeau, Evan T. Oungst, 27, of Arbor Vitae, Curtis A. Wolfe, 26, of Lac du Flambeau and Joseph D. Lussier, 26.
Allen and Joseph Lussier are being held in the Iron County Jail while Wolfe and Oungst are currently in the Vilas County Jail.
James Lussier is also facing a resisting or obstructing a law enforcement officer charge in Vilas County for allegedly lying to investigators about his role in the Valliere Jr. case. He was released on a $1,000 signature bond on that charge but failed to appear at his adjourned initial appearance Jan. 22, prompting Vilas County circuit judge Neal Nielsen to issue a warrant for his arrest.
Lussier is also wanted in Marathon County after failing to appear for a Jan. 30 hearing there on a charge of failing to submit a biological specimen.
According to the criminal complaint in the Iron County homicide case, Lussier and the four other men are accused of driving Valliere Jr. from Arbor Vitae to a location in the Mercer area where he was shot eight times. The complaint states the men believed Valliere was a confidential police informant and he knew the ride to Iron County would end with his death.
Oungst allegedly led investigators to the body Jan. 1.
Valliere Jr., who was last seen on Dec. 22, was reported missing Dec. 25. DCI and several area law enforcement agencies were involved in the missing person case, which turned into a homicide investigation once his body was recovered.
According to the criminal complaint, the alleged murder weapon was recovered at the residence of a friend of Wolfe.
The four suspects in custody are due to make initial appearances in Iron County Circuit Court March 5.
Anyone with information related to the whereabouts of James Lussier is asked to call 9-1-1.
Jamie Taylor may be reached via email at [email protected].
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