Kenosha Police are recommending a charge of  first degree intentional homicide for a 21-year-old man in connection with the death of Lashe Zalar.

Zalar’s body was found in Nedweski Park on July 9 when Kenosha Fire Department personnel responded to a report of a brush fire there.

The suspect has not been formally charged yet. KenoWi does not typically name a person in connection with a charge until they have been formally charged.

The new development was included in a statement released by Chief John Morrissey this evening.

The Police Department will be requesting additional charges, which will be identified by the District Attorney’s Office at the time of charging, Morrissey’s statement said. The suspect is currently in the Kenosha County Jail on an absconder warrant from the Wisconsin Division of Corrections.

The suspect is expected to make an initial court appearance on Thursday.

In his statement, Morrissey praised the work of the State Crime Lab:

“I will not discuss the specifics of the investigation at this time; however, I want to acknowledge the cooperation and work of the Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory in making this homicide investigation a priority. The DNA evidence has a critical role in this investigation. According to the forensic pathologist who performed the autopsy, Ms. Zalar’s death was related to the fire.”

Morrissey also praised the cooperation of Zalar’s family:

“I must acknowledge the cooperation from Lashe’s family during this devastating time, and I offer my deepest sympathy to the family. Their cooperation and understanding has allowed the investigation to move forward.”

Morrissey also praised his own officers and thanked the community at large:

“I want to acknowledge the hard work of the many members of my department and others who have assisted in the investigation. I thank the community for their patience as we worked to secure the evidence needed to identify the person responsible for this crime.”