Editor's note: This story contains information that was corrected from the original version posted.
A Monroe native was killed in an apparent homicide in Rolla, Missouri this weekend - the weekend before he was due to graduate from college.
Police say Curt Marzolf, 22, was fatally shot about 5:45 a.m. Saturday. His fiancee, Meghan Werner, also 22 and of Rolla, is charged with second-degree murder and armed criminal action. Werner is currently being held in the county jail on $1 million bond.
Werner told police that Marzolf committed suicide. But police say they have evidence that Marzolf's death was not a suicide.
Marzolf was slated to graduate from the Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla with a degree in mining engineering. The 2011 Monroe High School graduate had a job lined up post-graduation in Overland Park, Kansas.
Rolla police report states that at roughly 5:45 a.m. Saturday, a call came in from Werner, who told authorities that Marzolf had committed suicide. After responding and surveying the residence, police discovered Marzolf deceased as the result of a gunshot wound to his upper torso.
During their follow-up investigation, police said they found that both Marzolf and Werner had been in "an apparent physical altercation inside the residence." Evidence they found did not support suicide as the cause of death. They deduced that Werner had been present during Marzolf's time of death and eventually charged Werner, a native of Fenton, Missouri.
Shock hit the Marzolf family, who are now looking for answers into Curt's death.
His mother, Sharee, said Monday the family has little more information than what has been released to media because the police investigation is still ongoing. She said they do know the claim of suicide was a lie.
"From what we understand, he was a victim of a homicide," Sharee said. "That's what the police department told us from the start."
Sharee Marzolf said the family is still reeling from the news. Arrangements have yet to be made, but she and her husband and Curt's brother Carl know they want to have memorials go toward a fund in Curt's name.
Curt Marzolf was an "avid shooter," his mother said. An enthusiast in trap and skeet shooting, he had been winning awards for his skills for years. In 2010, the young man was 17 when he brought home two championship titles from the Wisconsin State Sporting Clay Championships. At that time, he credited his father, Harold Marzolf, with his ability. Harold Marzolf had started taking his son to the Argyle Rod and Gun Club when the boy was in sixth grade. In college, Curt Marzolf continued his competitive streak by taking part in the National Sporting Clays Champion-ships in San Antonio for the last three years.
Logan Wells graduated from MHS alongside Curt Marzolf. Wells said he will fondly remember the quick-witted humor of the friend he shared daily lunches with and sat beside on bus trips bound to FFA competitions. He and Curt Marzolf both took part in soil judging and even traveled to Oklahoma for the group.
"(Curt) liked to stir the pot," Wells said. "He kept you thinking and on your feet; a real genuine, down-to-earth person who liked to have fun in life."
Wells said his friend was also creative and thoughtful and the type of person who made it a priority to spend time with the ones he cared about.
On Monday, Wells was still dealing with the shock of the news, but said he aims to keep close the fond memories.
"He was always up for an adventure," Wells said. "I think what I'll miss most about him is his laugh and the sense of humor that could bring a smile to your face."
A Monroe native was killed in an apparent homicide in Rolla, Missouri this weekend - the weekend before he was due to graduate from college.
Police say Curt Marzolf, 22, was fatally shot about 5:45 a.m. Saturday. His fiancee, Meghan Werner, also 22 and of Rolla, is charged with second-degree murder and armed criminal action. Werner is currently being held in the county jail on $1 million bond.
Werner told police that Marzolf committed suicide. But police say they have evidence that Marzolf's death was not a suicide.
Marzolf was slated to graduate from the Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla with a degree in mining engineering. The 2011 Monroe High School graduate had a job lined up post-graduation in Overland Park, Kansas.
Rolla police report states that at roughly 5:45 a.m. Saturday, a call came in from Werner, who told authorities that Marzolf had committed suicide. After responding and surveying the residence, police discovered Marzolf deceased as the result of a gunshot wound to his upper torso.
During their follow-up investigation, police said they found that both Marzolf and Werner had been in "an apparent physical altercation inside the residence." Evidence they found did not support suicide as the cause of death. They deduced that Werner had been present during Marzolf's time of death and eventually charged Werner, a native of Fenton, Missouri.
Shock hit the Marzolf family, who are now looking for answers into Curt's death.
His mother, Sharee, said Monday the family has little more information than what has been released to media because the police investigation is still ongoing. She said they do know the claim of suicide was a lie.
"From what we understand, he was a victim of a homicide," Sharee said. "That's what the police department told us from the start."
Sharee Marzolf said the family is still reeling from the news. Arrangements have yet to be made, but she and her husband and Curt's brother Carl know they want to have memorials go toward a fund in Curt's name.
Curt Marzolf was an "avid shooter," his mother said. An enthusiast in trap and skeet shooting, he had been winning awards for his skills for years. In 2010, the young man was 17 when he brought home two championship titles from the Wisconsin State Sporting Clay Championships. At that time, he credited his father, Harold Marzolf, with his ability. Harold Marzolf had started taking his son to the Argyle Rod and Gun Club when the boy was in sixth grade. In college, Curt Marzolf continued his competitive streak by taking part in the National Sporting Clays Champion-ships in San Antonio for the last three years.
Logan Wells graduated from MHS alongside Curt Marzolf. Wells said he will fondly remember the quick-witted humor of the friend he shared daily lunches with and sat beside on bus trips bound to FFA competitions. He and Curt Marzolf both took part in soil judging and even traveled to Oklahoma for the group.
"(Curt) liked to stir the pot," Wells said. "He kept you thinking and on your feet; a real genuine, down-to-earth person who liked to have fun in life."
Wells said his friend was also creative and thoughtful and the type of person who made it a priority to spend time with the ones he cared about.
On Monday, Wells was still dealing with the shock of the news, but said he aims to keep close the fond memories.
"He was always up for an adventure," Wells said. "I think what I'll miss most about him is his laugh and the sense of humor that could bring a smile to your face."