06/03/2026
On Saturday, May 30, 2026 at approximately 3:35 PM the Green County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center received a 911 call reporting a male subject was unresponsive and not breathing as a result of a fight on the Sugar River. This location is approximately 1 mile southeast of the Village of Albany and is a remote area of the Sugar River with limited access for first responders. Sheriff’s Deputies along with the Albany Fire Department, Albany EMS, Albany Police and Green County EMS responded to the area. While responding, bystanders had started life saving measures by conducting CPR on the victim. Initial investigation determined that a large fight occurred in and along the river at this location. The victim attempted to break up the fight and was assaulted which rendered him unconscious. Through bystander assistance the assault was stopped and care was rendered to the victim. He was placed in a tube and floated down river. The victim was located down river by first responders, where he was conscious and evaluated by EMS personnel. Through further investigation by Sheriff’s Deputies and Detectives, it was determined that Brett
P. Lux 19, of Janesville was the offender of the assault. Lux physically assaulted the victim by placing him in a chokehold and holding him underwater multiple times rendering him unconscious before being physically separated by others present.
As a result of the investigation probable cause was developed and Lux was arrested on May 31 at 5:27 PM in the City of Janesville. Lux was transported and booked into the Green County Jail where he was held pending court. On June 3 Lux appeared
before Green County Circuit Court. Lux was formally charged with the following: Attempted First Degree Intentional Homicide, Strangulation, and Suffocation, Felony Bail Jumping (4 counts)
A cash bond of $100,000.00 was imposed by Green County Circuit Court Judge Phillipson along with multiple other non-monetary conditions. At the time of this release Lux is held in the Green County Jail on the cash bond.
The Sugar River between Albany and Brodhead has been utilized for several years for recreation to float down river on inflatable tubes. Certain individuals use the time to float down the river to over consume alcohol, use illicit narcotics and assault individuals. Through the investigation it was determined that Lux has other pending criminal cases in which he had been released back into the community after being charged with felony offenses after posting minimal cash or signature bonds. The Sheriff’s Office has taken a firm zero tolerance for violence in the community and will focus patrols to change behavior on the Sugar River.
Sheriff Cody Kanable
