Updated at: 11/03/2009 11:32 PM
By: Katie Nordeen
KNordeen@wdio.com

Authorities: Vendetta Lead to Murder-Suicide

Wisconsin authorities continue to piece together a murder-suicide that happened this passed weekend, and on Tuesday they released a possible motive. Authorities say the suspect held a "vendetta" against his victim's family.

Days after a brutal homicide in the small town of Birchwood, the community is in shock

The suspected killer has been identified as Arthur Garcia, a 31-year-old from Stone Lake. Sawyer county officials say he's responsible for killing David W. Palm.

According to the Sheriff's Department, Garcia fathered a child with the sister of the victim. Officials say Garcia had a "vendetta" against the Palm family, following the couple's break up two years ago, and custody issues with their child.

That's why authorities believe Garcia went to the Palm's family home at 1332 Road F on Saturday night, shot David Palm then set his Birchwood home on fire. Palm's body was found inside the burning building, around 7:30 P.M. Authorities say, it was the evidence collected at the scene that sparked a multi-county man hunt for Garcia.

Then on Sunday morning, some 30 miles away-- the Washburn County Sheriff's Department found the suspect's burned body, on a piece of property at Highway A and Mann Road, just outside Spooner. According to the Sheriff's Department, Garcia stood on a pile of tires, lit them on fire and then shot himself.

Multiple pipe bombs were also found at the scene, which a bomb squad removed. Investigators located two handguns, one of which is believed to be the weapon used in the homicide.

The investigation continues.

David Palm is being described as a friendly person. His pastor told Eyewitness News Tuesday, the community is struggling to grasp the details of Palm's death, and rallying around his family in support