Fire Victim’s Truck Located in Indiana

On Monday, Dec. 5, Rock County Detectives were notified by the Bedford, Ind. Police, that they had located the red S-10 pick-up truck that belonged to Thomas MacGowan. The pick-up was missing from the fire scene on State Highway 81 and the Rock County Detectives were looking to speak with whoever took the truck. Initially in the investigation, Detectives were told that a “Daniel Marshall” or a “Marshall Daniels” had been staying with Thomas MacGowan for the past three weeks. Detectives were told MacGowan had given “Daniel” permission to drive the S-10 pick-up. Randy Martin introduced “Daniel” to MacGowan several weeks ago. Martin met “Daniel” in Illinois and brought him back to Wisconsin. It was believed “Daniel” was from somewhere in Indiana. Detectives were told that “Daniel” had said he was going back to Indiana for the holidays. No one could tell detectives when “Daniel” left or where exactly he went.

During the investigation, detectives were unable to come up with anyone from Indiana by the name of “Daniel Marshall” or “Marshall Daniels” that fit the description of the person that was staying with MacGowan. Detectives believed that “Daniel Marshall” or “Marshall Daniels” was not the person’s real name. When Bedford Police located the S-10, there were two subjects associated with it. Those individuals advised they had just purchased the truck from Marshall Bischoff. Bedford Police were advised Bischoff had an address in Bedford and were able to provide a photo of Bischoff to Rock County Detectives. That photo was shown to Randy Martin. Martin identified Bischoff as the person that had been staying with MacGowan. On Dec. 6, Rock County Sheriff’s Office Detectives travelled to Indiana and interviewed Bischoff about the fire and events surrounding the fire.  Bischoff told detectives that he was not in Wisconsin when the first fire occurred. This was the fire to the shed that occurred on Nov. 14. During that investigation, no one had mentioned “Daniel Marshall” or “Marshall Daniels” to detectives and MacGowan said he was living alone at that time. Bischoff told detectives he is basically homeless and had met Randy Martin while he was walking back to Indianapolis from St. Louis. Martin had stopped and offered him a ride. At some point during the ride, they decided to return to Martin’s address in Beloit, Wis. Several days after arriving in Beloit, Martin introduced Bischoff to MacGowan.

Bischoff then stayed with MacGowan at the address on State Highway 81. During his stay, Bischoff helped MacGowan with chores around the house and property.  Bischoff wanted to return to Indiana to see his family and said that MacGowan gave him permission to use his truck to travel to Indiana. Bischoff stated he was going to return to Wisconsin after the New Year.

Bischoff said he left MacGowan’s residence on Monday, Nov. 28 around dusk.  He stated that he drove back to Indiana in MacGowan’s truck. During the trip back, the truck started having mechanical issues. He said he was able to “limp” the truck back to Bedford before it completely broke down. Bischoff was unable to get the truck running again, so he sold it for scrap. Shortly after, he was contacted by Bedford Police with regard to the S-10. He then learned that the truck was reported missing and that MacGowan had died in a house fire.

At this time, with regard to this case, Rock County Sheriff’s Office Detectives have no evidence of a crime. The Medical Examiner’s Office distributed a press release stating MacGowan died as a result of the fire. The State Fire Marshall is investigating the origin and cause of the fire; their report is forthcoming.

Pursuant to the directive of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, as found in Supreme Court Rule 20:3.6, Trial Publicity, you are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.