In South Milwaukee, Wisconsin, an employee of a local Pizza Hut, 31-year-old Kavonn Ingram, is facing charges for the alleged murder of his manager, 55-year-old Alex Stengel. The brutal act is believed to have been motivated by Ingram’s pursuit of financial gain, specifically, the theft of money from a $7,000 inheritance check that Stengel had recently cashed.
The crime took place on the morning of February 5, 2024, at the Pizza Hut location where both men were employed. Stengel, a resident of Cudahy, Wisconsin, was reported to have been attacked in the kitchen. Reports indicate that Ingram, a native of Milwaukee, shot Stengel and slit his throat before hiding the body in a garbage bag.
The body was found two days later by a garbage collector behind the restaurant. The discovery of Stengel’s body in a dumpster sparked an investigation that led the authorities back to the restaurant.
Investigative reports show that Stengel had shared with his colleagues the news of his $7,000 check and actually showed them the cash. This information is believed to have laid the groundwork for the subsequent tragic events. A trail of blood from the dumpster led the South Milwaukee police back to the restaurant’s kitchen, the alleged scene of the crime.
According to the criminal complaint, Ingram is suspected of placing Stengel’s body into a garbage bag, putting it into a trash can, and then disposing of it in the dumpster. Further evidence suggests a robbery motive, as Stengel’s wallet, keys, and cellphone were missing. Surveillance footage showed Ingram moving the garbage can containing the body to the dumpsters around 10:30 a.m. on the day of the incident.
Ingram, in an alleged attempt to cover his tracks, clocked out for Stengel post-mortem and used Stengel’s phone to message a regional manager. Despite these efforts, law enforcement was able to apprehend him. Ingram is now facing charges of first-degree homicide, concealing a corpse, armed robbery, and illegal possession of a firearm by a felon. He remains in custody with a $200,000 cash bond.
The criminal complaint also includes a conversation between Ingram and his girlfriend, in which he allegedly talked about obtaining Stengel’s money and planning his murder. A search of Ingram’s home turned up a loaded gun and Pizza Hut paychecks smeared with blood, further connecting him to the crime.
Ingram has been ordered to avoid contact with anyone associated with the Pizza Hut where the crime took place. His next court appearance has been scheduled for February 23.