18. Nicole J. Odegaard

25 years old

July 5, 2003

New Hope

Portage County

Nicole J. Odegaard was shot multiple times in the head by her husband, Jay Odegaard, 44, in the bedroom of their home. He then turned the gun on himself. Their bodies were found by Nicole's 8 and 10-year-old children and their 9-year-old friend who was sleeping over at the house that night.

According to co-workers of Nicole, on the night of the homicide, Jay and the kids had pizza at the tavern where Nicole was working. Jay left with the children at 11:00 p.m. and returned by himself about 45 minutes later. He argued with Nicole about when she would get off of work. She was overheard to say that “she didn’t love him and was tired of being beaten.” Co-workers reported seeing bruises on Nicole in the past.

Jay Odegaard had a history of previous convictions for disorderly conduct, felony battery and false imprisonment.

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