Authorities identify man found dead in Polk County, Wisconsin, home

Authorities have identified the man who was found dead in Polk County home Monday night as 75-year-old Louis Di Berardini. 

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said deputies received a medical call in the Village of Centuria. When deputies arrived at 6:14 p.m., they located Berardini in the residence. 

Wisconsin State Crime Lab on scene after person found dead in Polk County residence

“We locked it down as a crime scene, as we would most death scenes,” said Sheriff Brent Waak. “Right now we’re basically waiting for a report to come back from the medical examiner to determine the cause of death so we’re really in a position of just a holding pattern.”

He told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS officers were still at the home on Wednesday to “preserve the integrity of the scene”.

Deputies, Centuria First Responders and Lakes Area Ambulance responded on Monday evening. The Sheriff’s Office also brought in the Wisconsin State Crime Lab to help with the investigation. 

“We’re just trying to do a really thorough, appropriate investigation,” he said.

Sheriff Waak wouldn’t comment on whether there was foul play or suspects in the case. He said they are still working to gather the facts.

The sheriff’s office said on Tuesday it does not believe there is any danger to the public. 

“Whenever your community sees a police presence like that, it alarms the neighbors,” said Waak. “We just wanted to reassure everybody.”

The incident remains under investigation.