May 20, 2025
Contact: DOJCommunications@doj.state.wi.us
MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) and the Ashland Police Department announced the sentencing earlier this month of Nathan Monkelien, 36, to life in prison with the possibility of release to extended supervision following his conviction in January on multiple counts for fatally shooting two people.
Monkelien was sentenced on May 7 in Ashland County Circuit Court. On the count of first-degree intentional homicide, Monkelein received a life sentence with the ability to petition for release to extended supervision after 30 years of confinement. On the count of second-degree intentional homicide, he received a concurrent sentence of 20 years initial confinement and 10 years of extended supervision. He also received an additional 9-month consecutive sentence on a battery count and 9-month concurrent jail sentences on separate counts of resisting or obstructing an officer, and operating a firearm while intoxicated.
The convictions stem from an Oct. 14, 2023, incident in the City of Ashland, where Monkelien fatally shot two people outside Monkelein’s bar. He was taken into custody shortly after the crimes occurred.
“This sentence ensures the defendant is held accountable for a horrific act of violence,” said Attorney General Josh Kaul. “Thanks to the dedicated work of law enforcement and prosecutors, justice has been served, and Wisconsinites are safer as a result.”
The City of Ashland Police Department led the investigation with assistance from DCI and the Wisconsin State Crime Lab.
The Ashland County District Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case with assistance from the Wisconsin Department of Justice.
