Two suspects charged in connection with Glendale homicide

GLENDALE (WITI) -- 28-year-old Robert Christophel of Milwaukee and 25-year-old Nicholas Retzlaff of Bayside have been charged in connection with the murder of 65-year-old Peter Holzberger of Glendale.

Peter Holzberger

Holzberger had been missing since Saturday, November 9th. Close friends say they had a feeling something bad had happened.

"We had expected foul play because we seen all these unusual circumstances," said Sally Stern. "He didn't answer his phone, then his phone began ringing, then it would go into a fax machine and he never had his phone like that. It was unusual. He always had an answering machine working and he was prompt and had everything working, and it wasn't working."

When Holzberger failed to show up for plans with Stern, she became worried and contacted authorities. When police couldn't find Holzberger during a wellness check, Stern decided to go looking for him and says she made an odd discovery.

"I found Peter's glasses laying on the side of the house with dirt all over them," said Stern. "I know those are the same ones Peter had and wore. I knew something bad has happened."

Police later found Holzberger dead inside his Port Washington home.

According to a criminal complaint, Christophel and Retzlaff went to Holzberger's home on November 5th, planning to rob him and possibly tie him up in the process. Christophel located Holzberger outside his home and choked him out, breaking his neck in the process.

The complaint states the two men moved Holzberger inside the home and tied him up, wrapping bungee cords around his neck. The men, who stated they knew Holzberger was dead, then carried the man to the basement and "hog tied" him.

According to the criminal complaint, Christophel and Retzlaff then loaded several items from Holzberger's home into a van, returning later that night to take more items. The men also returned several times in the following days to steal more of Holzberger's belongings.

The men also admitted to using Holzberger's debit card numerous times after killing him.

Friends of Holzberger say they are still coming to terms with the loss.

"Very sad. I was shocked he passed away -- that someone can do something bad to him like that," said Terrell Wiggins. "I hope justice be served. Whoever did that to him, it's very wrong."

Loved ones say Holzberger was a peaceful man with a passion for the environment.

"Known him 14 years and he was always trying to make the world a better place since I've known him," said Stern. "His heart was so good and in the right place."

Holzberger was well-known in the area, unsuccessfully running for Glendale Common Council.

Christophel and Retzlaff could make a court appearance as earlier as Friday, November 16th.