OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Joseph Olvera called police to report he had strangled and killed his girlfriend, Joanna Schultz, at an Omro home on March 11, before making a farewell message to her, according to charges filed Monday. Olvera also allegedly fired at officers who responded to the scene.
Olvera, 22, made his initial court appearance Monday afternoon on charges of first-degree intentional homicide and first-degree recklessly endangering safety, court records show. Bond was set at $1 million cash. Olvera returns to court March 27 for a status conference and March 30 for a preliminary hearing.
According to the criminal complaint, Olvera called police to report the death, indicated he had firearms, and was planning to die by suicide.
Members of the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office SWAT and Negotiator team were deployed to the scene. While there, officers heard a gun multiple times from inside the residence.
Olvera left the home wearing body armor and with “a fully automatic AR and a Glock,” the complaint states.
“Deputy Willis reports that officers stated that they could see that the gun had a laser on it and Olvera was pointing the laser at officers. Deputy Willis reports that Olvera was in an elevated position which is a tactical advantage for him and he was concerned that Olvera was going to shoot at himself or other officers on scene Deputy (victim 2) reports that when the Bearcat arrived he repositioned himself behind the vehicle. Deputy V2 reports that at that point, he heard approximately 5-6 loud bangs. Deputy V2 reports that he heard other officers advise that Olvera had shot out the window located on the west side by the door to apartment. Deputy V2 reports that dispatch stated that Olvera communicated that he wasn’t trying to hit officers but he fired the shots because he wanted the officers to stay back,” the complaint states.
Olvera eventually gave himself up. No officers were injured.
After his arrest, Olvera said he didn’t know how Schultz died because he was drunk at the time.
Police found a digital note on Schultz’s phone, created that day.
““i’m sorry (Johanna). i didn’t mean to kill you. Know i’m going to hell but i love you,” the note states, in part, according to the complaint.
The couple had ongoing relationship issues, police were told.
Autopsy results Schultz’s injuries were “consistent with smothering,” the complaint states.