Dennis Schattie Obituary, Death; – A Rockford resident has been charged nearly three years after the remains of a man from Altoona, Wisconsin, were discovered in the Rock River. Charles Gray, 47, faces allegations of concealing a homicidal death, as stated by the Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office.
The body of 79-year-old Dennis Schattie was found by Rockford police on April 12, 2022, near the Fordam Dam in the 600 block of Race Street. Authorities also reported the presence of burnt debris and motor oil containers along the riverbank adjacent to Schattie’s remains.
Investigators believe that Schattie was murdered in Altoona, Wisconsin, before being transported to Rockford. Reports indicate that his body was discovered burned and dismembered in the Rock River.
Brandon Gaston, 48, of Rockford, and Tracey Clark, 57, of Altoona, are facing homicide charges in Eau Claire County, Wisconsin, related to Schattie’s death. The two individuals are undergoing separate trials, as reported by WIFR’s sister station WEAU. The Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office has indicated that detectives recently uncovered Gray’s alleged involvement in the incident.
On January 17, Gray made his initial court appearance and was subsequently released. The state’s attorney’s office has noted that the charge of concealing a homicidal death is currently classified as a non-detainable offense.
Gray is scheduled to return to Winnebago County court on February 20. Online court records from Wisconsin show that Clark is set for a plea/sentencing hearing on February 11, while Gaston is expected to appear in court again on February 26.
