Full Breakdown
Former Funeral Director Charged in Connection with Human Skull Discovery
12/19/2025, 1:45:40 PM
Overview of the Case
Benjamin Carl Hanson, a 57-year-old former funeral director from Bayport, Minnesota, has been charged with hiding a corpse and felony theft in relation to a human skull discovered in a ravine in St. Croix County, Wisconsin, over two decades ago. The skull was identified as belonging to Alyce Catharina Peterson, who died at the age of 92 in July 2001. The charges were filed following a lengthy investigation that began after the skull was found by Boy Scouts on October 19, 2002.
Discovery and Identification of the Remains
The skull was uncovered by a group of Boy Scouts hiking near a camp in Somerset Township, approximately 20-40 yards off a roadway. Initially, the remains were placed in garbage bags and reported to the St. Croix County Sheriff's Department. Despite DNA testing, the remains went unidentified for years until advanced forensic analysis in February 2021, facilitated by the DNA Doe Project, confirmed the skull belonged to Peterson.
Allegations Against Benjamin Hanson
Hanson was employed as a funeral director at Simonet Funeral Home during the time of Peterson's death and was responsible for her cremation. Investigators allege that he had access to Peterson's body and may have falsely billed her family for services. Former employees of Simonet Funeral Home reported that Hanson was suspected of theft and had been fired prior to the skull's discovery. Allegations include misuse of the funeral home's credit card for personal expenses, including school supplies and HVAC work.
Official Responses
The current owners of Simonet Funeral Home, who purchased the business in 2013, expressed their condolences to Peterson's family and emphasized that the alleged misconduct occurred under previous ownership. They stated, “We are both saddened and angry at the situation as it is not how professional funeral directors conduct themselves.” They also clarified that Hanson has never been an employee of the current ownership and that they have cooperated fully with law enforcement throughout the investigation.
Criticism and Community Impact
The case has drawn significant attention due to the shocking nature of the allegations and the long delay in identifying Peterson's remains. The St. Croix County Sheriff, Scott Knudson, has indicated that further details will not be released while the case remains active. The community has expressed outrage over the circumstances surrounding the mishandling of Peterson's remains, highlighting the need for accountability in the funeral industry.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is the first time that I have seen a Doe identified as someone who had a death certificate and who was supposedly cremated,” — Eric Hendershott, Case Manager, DNA Doe Project
- “We are both saddened and angry at the situation as it is not how professional funeral directors conduct themselves.” — Simonet Funeral Home Attorney
- “This allegedly occurred more than two decades ago. I support my husband and I am confident we'll get through this with the love and support of our family and friends.” — Michele Hanson, Benjamin Hanson's Wife
What's Next
Hanson is currently held at the St. Croix County Jail as the investigation continues. The legal proceedings will determine the extent of his alleged misconduct and the implications for the funeral industry in the region.
