Formal charges filed in Mazomanie homicide

Police: Primary suspect faces 1st-degree intentional homicide charges

MADISON, Wis. — Dane County Sheriff’s officials said formal charges have been filed against the primary suspect in a February homicide in Mazomanie.

Dane County Sheriff Dave Mahoney said formal charges have been filed against Phillip Byrd, 39, of Janesville, and he is scheduled for an initial appearance on Thursday.

Byrd will likely be charged with first-degree intentional homicide with additional jail time because he allegedly used a dangerous weapon, Mahoney said.

Mahoney said the shooting was a case of domestic abuse, and wants to make sure anyone dealing with domestic abuse seeks help.

Cheryl Gilberg was found dead in her Mazomanie home on Feb. 23.

In early March, approximately 25 deputies conducted a foot search along Highway 14 between Mazomanie and Middleton. Deputies are looking for a number of items, including the Charter Arms Pink Lady .38 caliber revolver missing from Gilberg’s home.

Mahoney said Wednesday investigators are still looking for the revolver and other pieces of evidence.

Byrd was originally held in the Rock County jail on charges of bail-jumping and drug possession.

According to a criminal complaint, a prescription amphetamine pill bottle prescribed to Gilberg was found alongside prescriptions belonging to Byrd during the home search.

Officials said more than 100 people have been interviewed as part of the investigation into the death of Gilberg.

Gilberg owned the house, and was the only person living there at the time of the incident. She was found by a family member who was checking on her.