On October 31, 2025, at approximately 11:30 pm, officers of the Apple Valley Police Department responded to a report of a 911 hang up that occurred from an address located in the City of Apple Valley, Dakota County, Minnesota. Dispatch reported that the call involved a female who sounded out of breath and would not answer questions but reported that she was alone. Officers arrived and spoke with Victim 1 who was visibly distraught and crying and had difficulty answering questions. Victim 1 stated that she was fine but had a lower lip that was bloody, swelled up, and red and had blood on the back of her right hand and on her sweatshirt.
Victim 1 stated that her husband, Steven Richard Willenbring, born on [DOB REDACTED], and her had been drinking and Mr. Willenbring had become jealous about an individual and became upset. Victim 1 stated that Mr. Willenbring grabbed her around the chest and arms and also punched her several times all over her body including her lip. Victim 1 also reported that Mr. Willenbring had placed both his hands around her neck and restricted her breathing and that she did not lose consciousness but that it was difficult for her to breath.
Victim 1 reported that there were two minor [NAME REDACTED] at the time and that she was scared for herself and for both of them. Officers placed Mr. Willenbring under arrest and noted a strong odor of alcohol and that Mr. Willenbring provided vague answers but stated that there were issues going on in their lives, that he had been attacked, and that he had not hit Victim 1.
