Merrill man discovered deceased, Austin David Stevenson to be charged with first degree murder

UPDATE: Court information has changed. Austin Stevenson is expected to appear in court on Friday, March 21, to face charges.

According to a press release from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at approximately 6:06 p.m., the Lincoln County 911 Dispatch Center received a call requesting a welfare check for a missing 48-year-old Merrill man who had not shown up for work or been heard from.
Deputies responded to the call in the Township of Corning, where they located the missing man, who was found deceased. His identity was initially withheld pending family notification. Authorities have now confirmed that the decedent was 48-year-old John Stevenson.
Following an investigation, law enforcement took 25-year-old Austin Stevenson, also of Merrill, into custody in connection with the incident. He is currently being held at the Lincoln County Jail. The Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office has announced that formal charges will be filed against Austin Stevenson at his initial court appearance today at 1:30 p.m. He is expected to be charged with first-degree intentional homicide.
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is being assisted by the Lincoln County Coroner’s Office in this ongoing investigation. At this time, authorities emphasize that there is no threat to the public.
No further information is being released at this time.