UPDATE: Man Arrested In Double Murder Case: Police

MADISON, WI — Authorities say a Wisconsin doctor and her husband were targeted by a suspect after both were discovered lying in a ditch this week in Madison - one clinging to life and the other already deceased. Both were pronounced dead later that day.

According to the University of Wisconsin police department, a person who was out jogging in the Arboretum - a 1,200-acre research and recreational area in Madison - came across a man and a woman lying in a ditch at 6:30 a.m. on March 31.

Authorities identified the two victims as Robin Carre, 57, and Beth Potter, 52, both from Madison. Authorities said Potter was found clinging to life and was transported to a local hospital, where she died a short time later. Carre was found dead at the scene.

Man Arrested During Investigation

According to university police, they arrested 18-year-old Khari Sanford, in connection with the double murder investigation. Authorities say Sanford has been booked into the Dane County Jail, and are recommending two counts of first-degree intentional homicide-party to a crime to the Dane County District Attorney's office. Sanford has yet to be formally charged as of Friday afternoon.

"To this UWPD can confirm that the suspect is known to the family — and as we shared in a previous statement, we believe that this was not a random act. It was calculated, cold-blooded, and senseless — and we will continue to do all we can to bring justice to Robin and Beth, their family, and their loved ones," officials said in a statement on Friday.

Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters. Don't miss local and statewide news about coronavirus developments and precautions.

Potter Was Beloved Doctor, Carre Was Husband

The Dane County Medical Examiner's office reported that both Carre and Potter died from homicide-related trauma. The university confirmed that Potter worked at the Wingra Family Medical Center and the university's Department of Family Medicine and Community Health.

In a statement released by the university following the news of her death, officials said Potter"dedicated her career to the health of families, women, and underserved communities, as well as the education of medical students and residents. In addition, she championed initiatives aimed at fostering the wellness of her health care colleagues."

“Our sadness is immense,” William Schwab, professor at the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health in a statement on the university's website. “We will care for patients and attend to all of the other meaningful work of our department today and in the coming days because we must, and we will do so, as we have been, under the most extraordinary circumstances — and we will keep Beth’s legacy in our hearts as we step forward. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, there is added pain in not being able to gather together directly to comfort each other, but we will take time to reflect and console in a way that sustains.”