Steve Pirus set to make initial appearance in Dane County court

MADISON, Wis. — The man accused of killing his wife then blowing up their home to cover it up will make an initial appearance at the Dane County Courthouse Thursday to find out what charges he faces.

The Dane County District Attorney’s Office expects to file charges of first-degree intentional homicide, arson and first-degree reckless endangerment.

According to Madison police, 59-year-old Steven Pirus admitted to murdering his wife weeks, if not months, before allegedly causing their house to explode.

Court documents indicate Pirus confessed he intentionally loosened a gas line to a dryer in the house to cause the explosion on Stratton Way.

The medical examiner said 50-year-old Lee Anne Pirus died from gunshot wounds, not the explosion.

Former prosecutor Tim Verhoff said Pirus’ alleged admission could be key evidence in the case.

“It’s not a who done it, it’s a why done it,” Verhoff said.

Pirus is being held on $1 million cash bond at the Dane County Jail.

An initial appearance is scheduled for Thursday at 1:30 p.m.

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