(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Kenosha, Wis. – A tense manhunt in Kenosha has come to an end after authorities located and arrested 41-year-old Justin L. Tercek, the “person of interest” in Monday’s southside homicide. Tercek was taken into custody late Monday night by Kenosha Police after an extensive search that lasted several hours.
Homicide Investigation Unfolds
On Monday, February 3, 2025, around 11:42 AM, the KPD responded to the 8500 block of 18th Avenue after the homeowner called to report that someone possibly entered his home and that his back door was broken. The home was checked at that time and nobody was found inside. A complaint was taken and evidence was collected.
Around 2:32 PM, the Kenosha Police Department responded back to the same home for another burglary complaint. The caller reportedly observed blood outside the back door and the door forced open. After arriving on scene, officers discovered a deceased male in the basement, with an apparent knife wound. They also located a dog with a similar wound, that passed away shortly after officers arrived..
After securing the residence, police called in the S.W.A.T. team to clear the home. Officers utilized an interior drone—technology that Police Chief Pat Patton has championed to enhance officer safety and reduce the likelihood of armed confrontations. The drone swept the house for potential threats before a seven-member tactical team forced entry using a battering ram.
Within 30 minutes, police declared the home clear of any immediate danger, but investigators remained on-site into the evening, collecting evidence and searching for clues that could lead them to Tercek.
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
The Search for Tercek
Following the discovery of the victim, police identified Tercek as a person of interest and launched an urgent manhunt. Authorities described him as a white male, approximately 6 feet tall and 225 pounds.
Kenosha Police urged residents to remain vigilant, warning that Tercek was believed to be on foot and could be armed and dangerous. Law enforcement officers canvassed the area, reviewed surveillance footage, and followed up on leads as the search intensified.
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Tercek Located and Arrested
Late Monday night, Kenosha Police confirmed that Tercek had been found and taken into custody. “Justin has been located and arrested,” said Lieutenant Josh Hecker. Tercek is now in police custody as investigators work to determine his connection to the homicide.
Community Reaction and Ongoing Investigation
The arrest brings some relief to residents of the quiet southside neighborhood, where violent crimes are rare.
“It was nerve-wracking knowing someone dangerous could be nearby,” said one local resident. “I’m glad they caught him before anything else happened.”
Despite Tercek’s capture, Kenosha Police are still actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the homicide. Investigators continue to process evidence from the scene and are urging anyone with additional information to come forward. The victim, a 52-year-old male, will not be identified at this time out of consideration for his family.
“Our thoughts are with the victim’s family during this difficult time,” said Lieutenant Josh Hecker. “We are asking for anyone with information related to this investigation to please contact the Kenosha Police Department’s Detective Bureau at 262-605-5203,” he added
At the time of this publication, the Kenosha Police Department is confident that there are no other persons of interest. The scene will continue to have a police presence for an undetermined amount of time.
KCE will continue to follow this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.
(Kenosha Police)
(Kenosha Police)
(Kenosha Police)
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
28 Responses
Happened on the 8500 block of 18th Avenue, according to Kenosha Police. That’s south side, not north.
Fixed. Thank you.
*Southside.
Fixed. Thank you.
Police did NOT tell residents to remain vigilant, at least they didn’t tell my family. I live in one of the houses in the pictures, police told us we were “safe” and had nothing to worry about. My mother had the back door wide open cooking dinner while there was a possible armed murderer on the loose and they did not warn us at all.
Someone has to tell you to remain vigilant?
what does that have to do with their statement?
they are just refuting something in the article.
if you are told that everything is safe than why would you believe otherwise?
This is crazy! Was this involving Ted Kmiec and fentynal at all?
I heard on the scanner there was a dog on scene, injured. Hope he or she survived 🥺😞
Dog died also
Damn I think he was the one walking east on 87th pl when I got home, he turned north on 17th ave around 1100ish, that wild was close when I got out my car
So was the man alive when the police first showed up and did they properly search and clear the house before leaving? Doesn’t sound like blood was on the scene until after they left the first time smh
My thoughts as well. He called. Why wasn’t he found the first time?
Doesn’t sound like they looked very hard does it? Surely the dog would have met them the first time if the dog was not stabbed and dying.
it’s always the police’s fault, right? my gosh. Did you ever think the man left and later returned?
Maybe you need to know the facts. This was the 3rd time he returned to the home.
Drugs ??? Just asking for a friend
Super sad!!! My heart goes out to this mans family. I couldn’t imagine, especially since the man and his dog may have just moved into the house a few days ago. The house shows up as being sold on 01/31/2025. 🙁
Based on my research. Justin has a connection to the house where the crime took place. It was grandma’s house until she passed away last August (found obituary). Not sure if a relative purchased the house or a complete stranger.
The house just sold on Jan 31, 2025. Horrific for the family who purchased it.
Can we all just appreciate that this crime story doesn’t involve the Kmiec family.
Deceased man was an innocent man, and he loved his dog. Deceased man had nothing to do with this criminal. Deceased man was in the process of moving in his new home, happy as ever with his dog Jake. This criminal went back to look for something or someone. This criminal was incarcerated for a year, and was released a week ago. Going back of when this house was put on the market…is the same date this criminal was incarcerated a year ago!!!! Our true condolences, our true prayers to his loved ones 🙏🏼 he deserves justice him and Jake!!!! Prayers to the community as well 🙏🏼
My guess is that this Terdcek dude hid some drugs in that house before he went into the slammer. Came back for them , and this poor guy and his dog got in the way. Prosecute to the fullest extent of the law.
I wish new home owner would have had a gun to defend himself and blow the loser’s head off. Buying a home is supposed to be a happy time in life. This is so sad
Was Sam Kerkman there for the photo op?
Bet single term Bogdala want in.
Hey someone call still do us all a favor and Mangione this guy….
Too bad he didn’t resist arrest, receive some K-9 justice followed by a .40 or 9mm. Preferably hollow point.