Staeven charged in estranged wife's death

OCONTO COUNTY - A 50-year-old man is now behind bars and is charged with setting a house on fire and killing his estranged wife.

For more than a year, family members of Christy Staeven have wondered who was behind the arson of her home and her murder.

"I guess for me personally, I had this lump in my throat and said no way and how? It's such a disbelief," said Christy Staeven's brother-in-law Jeff Muehlbauer.

Now investigators say they have an answer. Police have arrested Christy's estranged husband Randall Staeven. He is now charged with her murder.

Oconto County's criminal complaint shows a neighbor saw Randall Staeven's SUV outside this house at the time of the fire on May 14th.
Authorities also say interviews show Randall Staeven had a motive. Randall Staeven's nephew told police he was a "very angry" person and "very bitter" about the divorce he and Christy were going through. Another person interviewed told police Randall said he wanted Christy dead and the house to burn down.

The criminal complaint goes on to say in the couple's 10 year marriage, there was a history of domestic abuse between the two.

• Click here to read the criminal complaint.

Investigators say in 2009, Christy had a domestic abuse restraining order against Randall Staeven, and had him removed from the home. A home police say he would later set on fire.

Randall Staeven is charged with first degree intentional homicide, arson of a building, first degree reckless endangerment, and mutilating a corpse.

At the time of the fire, three of Christy Staeven's four children were home. They all made it out safely.

We spoke with some family members of Christy Staeven, they say at this time they have no comment.

Randall Staeven's first day in court is Friday. Officials are not making any comment about the case.