Myron D. Dunlap Death, Obituary News: Victim and suspect named in deadly Fitchburg bar stabbing.

Myron D. Dunlap Death, Obituary News:  A deadly stabbing outside a Fitchburg bar has left a community shaken and prompted a renewed focus on the venue’s history of violent incidents. The Dane County Medical Examiner’s Office on Wednesday confirmed the identity of the victim as 39-year-old Myron D. Dunlap, a Fitchburg resident. Dunlap died following a stabbing that occurred early Tuesday morning in the parking lot of Monkeyshines Bar and Grill, located at 6209 McKee Road.

According to authorities, the incident happened around 1 a.m. on Tuesday. Police say that Dunlap and another man, later identified as Rodney D. Golden, 39, of Madison, were involved in a confrontation that began inside the bar and escalated into the parking lot. It was there that the conflict turned deadly. Dunlap was transported to a nearby hospital after the stabbing, but he was later pronounced dead.

Fitchburg Police Capt. Edward Hartwick shared details of the ongoing investigation during a press conference. He stated that the two men were acquainted and had engaged in a physical altercation that began inside the establishment before spilling into the lot outside, where the fatal stabbing occurred. Golden fled the scene before police arrived, and Dunlap was already en route to the hospital.

Later that same day, Golden was arrested on tentative charges of first-degree intentional homicide. He was apprehended around 5:30 p.m. at a residence in Sun Prairie. During the arrest, law enforcement officers discovered a rifle and a significant quantity of drugs—nearly 500 grams of fentanyl—at the home. Golden was booked into the Dane County Jail and is also being held on a parole violation warrant.

Capt. Hartwick emphasized that the investigation remains active and that police are working diligently to piece together the events that led to the fatal confrontation. Surveillance video from inside the bar, along with witness statements, played a critical role in identifying Golden as the suspect. Police believe several individuals who were present at the bar during the incident may have valuable information that could help clarify what happened and why.

Authorities are urging anyone with details about the incident to come forward. Potential witnesses or others with relevant information are encouraged to contact the Fitchburg Police Department directly or reach out anonymously through Madison Area Crime Stoppers via phone or online.

The fatal stabbing is the latest in a troubling pattern of violent events linked to Monkeyshines Bar and Grill. According to police, the bar has been the site of multiple serious incidents in recent years. In both 2021 and 2023, the bar was the scene of separate shootings, and earlier in 2024, another stabbing occurred at the same location. These repeated incidents have raised concerns within the community and among local officials about safety at the establishment and whether more oversight or intervention may be needed.

Hartwick noted that while each case is distinct, the frequency of violence at this particular venue is concerning. He said the department continues to investigate all aspects of the bar’s operations and will work with other local agencies to address any broader safety issues.

The death of Myron Dunlap has sent ripples through Fitchburg, where community members are mourning the loss of a local man and calling for measures to prevent future tragedies. While police have a suspect in custody, many questions remain about what exactly transpired in the moments leading up to the altercation and whether there were missed opportunities to de-escalate the situation before it turned deadly.

As the investigation progresses, police will continue to review evidence, gather witness statements, and analyze surveillance footage. They hope that additional witnesses will step forward to provide a clearer picture of the events that unfolded early Tuesday morning.

The arrest of Golden and the discovery of drugs and a firearm at the Sun Prairie residence have added new dimensions to the case, suggesting potential additional charges beyond the initial homicide accusation. However, authorities have not yet detailed what other legal consequences Golden may face as the investigation continues.

In the meantime, Fitchburg residents are left grappling with the reality of yet another violent act taking place in a familiar setting. The recurrence of violence at Monkeyshines Bar and Grill has prompted renewed conversations around bar security, late-night alcohol service, and how best to protect patrons and staff from future harm.

Local leaders and law enforcement officials are expected to review security measures at establishments with histories of violent incidents, including whether changes in licensing, enforcement, or other regulatory actions might help reduce the risk of further harm.

As friends and family remember Myron Dunlap, the Fitchburg Police Department remains focused on completing a thorough investigation and ensuring justice is served. Anyone who may have been present at Monkeyshines during the early hours of Tuesday, or who may have information about the incident or the individuals involved, is strongly encouraged to reach out to law enforcement.

Tips can be shared with the Fitchburg Police Department at 608-270-4300 or anonymously through Madison Area Crime Stoppers by calling 608-266-6014 or submitting online at P3Tips.com.