(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Kenosha, Wis. – A Kenosha man has been charged with first-degree intentional homicide following the brutal killing of a local resident and his dog earlier this week.
Justin L. Tercek, 41, was formally charged in Kenosha County Circuit Court today in connection with the death of 52-year-old Andrew D. Pfannkuche. Prosecutors allege that Tercek fatally stabbed Pfannkuche multiple times inside his home on Monday, February 3, 2025. Pfannkuche’s dog, Jake, was also found dead at the scene with stab wounds.
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
In addition to the murder charge, Tercek faces multiple felony charges, including mistreatment of animal, use of a dangerous weapon, and two counts of burglary. He is also charged with one misdemeanor count of criminal damage to property. Kenosha County Circuit Court Commissioner William Michel II set bail at $1.5 million cash.
Incident Details
According to the criminal complaint, Kenosha Police responded to a residence at 8536 18th Avenue around 2:30 p.m. on February 3. Upon entering the home, officers discovered Pfannkuche deceased with multiple knife wounds. A bloody knife was recovered in the basement.
Authorities noted that Pfannkuche had purchased the home only three days prior and lived there alone with his dog. Police arrested Tercek later that evening in an alley near 5017 22nd Avenue. At the time of his arrest, Tercek had blood on his hands and clothing, which was described as “covered” in blood. Officers also noted injuries to Tercek’s calf, consistent with dog bites, and a laceration on his scalp.
Detective Morrissey, the lead investigator, reported that Pfannkuche had spoken with both his realtor and a Kenosha Police officer earlier in the day, recounting a disturbing encounter at 1:00 a.m. that morning. According to Pfannkuche, an intruder entered his home, confronted him about the property, and then stole a set of keys before leaving. Later, around 5:00 a.m., Pfannkuche saw an SUV on his lawn near the “For Sale” sign, which had been knocked down.
Surveillance footage later confirmed that a Dodge Nitro SUV registered to Tercek was abandoned after crashing through the front glass of a Dollar General store in Zion, Illinois, at approximately 6:00 a.m. Video from a nearby auto repair shop captured Tercek later that morning, showing no visible blood or injuries at that time.
At around 11:30 a.m., Pfannkuche sent a photo to his realtor showing that his back door had been smashed in. Several hours later, Tercek’s aunt and uncle visited Pfannkuche’s home to apologize for Tercek’s actions. They reportedly heard a dog in distress and saw blood inside, prompting them to call police.
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Court Proceedings
During the court hearing, Deputy District Attorney Drew Burgoyne described the attack as a “brutal slaying inside a man’s own home,” stating that Tercek was upset that Pfannkuche had purchased his grandmother’s former home. “There’s no reasonable motive here,” Burgoyne said. “The defendant was apparently upset that Mr. Pfannkuche purchased what used to be his grandmother’s home. He returned several hours later, driving on the lawn, knocking over the sale sign. When he ultimately killed Mr. Pfannkuche, it was 25 knife wounds, according to the preliminary autopsy. He also killed his dog, Jake.”
The prosecution requested a $1.5 million cash bond, while the defense sought a significantly lower amount of $100,000. Commissioner Michel ultimately sided with the prosecution, stating, “The court has great concern for community safety. The court does believe a substantial amount of cash is warranted. The court is going to adopt the recommendation of the state for $1.5 million and adopt the non-monetary provisions.”
Next Steps
Tercek is scheduled to appear in court again on February 12, 2025, for a preliminary hearing. If convicted, he faces a mandatory life sentence.
Authorities continue to investigate the case, examining surveillance footage and forensic evidence to build their case against Tercek.
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
75 Responses
Interesting, is that a pit? Surprised that dog didn’t eat the intruder to pieces….?
Why the downvotes LOL. Serious question, shouldn’t most pits have attacked that intruder once it sensed a problem?
I would say that’s a generalization. It depends on how they are raised. Then again, I’m sure I’ll be told I’m wrong.
You are not wrong. Uncle Andy raised Jake to be gentle and loving. I wish he would have trained him to be a killer and maybe……. 😭
Also, the reports say the accused had bite marks on his legs and scalp.
Jake was as gentle as a new born baby. I wish Uncle Andy would have trained him to attack 😭
Intruder had bite marks so he did attack him, but knives at close quarters are more deadly than you’d think. Such a terrible situation. Sympathies to the families.
Jake bit Tercek. I wish he would have ripped his juggler out except Uncle Andy taught him to be so very gentle. 😭
Pitties are amazing and extremely loving. I’m sure Jake did the best he could to defend them both. So horrible. My condolences to you.
My condolences to the family of Mr. Pfannkuche and Jake. I hope there are plenty of dog lovers in prison that will express their displeasure to the perpetrator.
So wish they would bring back the death penalty for evil like him. Taking the life of an innocent man and his dog just sickens me. If nothing else, may this monster live his days in prison surrounded by those who love dogs.
Same here, but the blue cancer that exists in Wisconsin insists that they’re simply nothing you can do in this state bad enough for you to deserve capital punishment. Including this travesty.
Of course your going to make this political. Only a Trumper would care that it’s a blue state. Our hearts are broken over our family member murdered and you post something stupid.
His criminal history really isn’t that bad. I would guess he just sometimes loses his mind when he is strung out on meth. This time, resulting in tragedy. Maybe he is also evil, I don’t know. The beard with shaved head make him look quite evil indeed. I would think 40 years to life would be an appropriate penalty. Death penalty seems excessive. Maybe he will find God in jail, and be able to live a few years on the outside before he dies.
Excuse me? Did he murder someone you love? Well we loved Uncle Andy and he did not deserve to be murdered by a meth head. Uncle Andy never heard a hair on anyone’s head.
I pray that none of your loved ones are ever senselessly murdered. Maybe you won’t be such a blessing heart.
Thank you. This man is pure evil. He took an innocent life and should be put to death. RIP Uncle Andy
Thank you for your condolences. Uncle Andy was a wonderful, generous, kind hearted, living and passive man. We love him and miss him and pray that justice will be served. Tercek does not deserve to breathe the air that Uncle Andy should be breathing! This man is pure evil
Might have been prevented with a Castle doctrine double tap.
I didn’t think Uncle Andy thought this guy would do something like this. Where we are from, murders are rare and trusting in strangers is common. 😭
Wisconsin needs the death penalty.
This guy should die tomorrow, guilty.
100%. This story sickens me. This scum does not deserve another day here on earth after what he did to this innocent man and his dog.
They can borrow my wood chipper.
As a family member to the deceased, I agree. Thank you
I’m sure the DA will plead it down to DC while armed.
KPD and KPPA has Matthewson “handled”.
Trust me. I’m my own person and I can’t be “handled.”
What on earth does this comment even mean? Has no connection to this tragic story, so shut up.
this story seems unbelievable. It’s just another day in Kenoshavillle, similar to Pottersville. SR’s Kenoshaville
Hey loser, how’s the homicide percentage in Mexico?
How can we miss you if you won’t go the f*** away?
And the circus begins. The system will make money while a man is dead. Throw him in the lake and let’s see how long he lasts.
Wow. This is just terrible. My heart breaks for this innocent man and his loving dog.
This is sickening that KPD let another Death by negligence happen again! Him and his dogs death should’ve been completely avoidable. How Many more lawsuits are KPD going to face before they learn and train to do the correct protocol ?? This is just more proof of negligence, corruption and laziness on KPD’s part. And they don’t care about their constituents Safety. The Poor kids growing up in Kenosha. Y’all deserve better, so demand better.
KPD wasn’t involved until the dead guy was found. Doesn’t sound like he asked for police assistance when his keys were stolen.
actually KPD was there twice that day
Kind of odd all that happened to him yet he didn’t think to call the police?
Did you not read the story?
Uncle Andy DID CALL THE POLICE!
Why don’t you people just shut the FUCK UP!
OUR HEARTS ARE BROKEN AND ALL OF YOU JUST WANT TO RUN YOUR MOUTHS.
Explain how this is negligence by the KPD?
How is it not?
Read the story fool
This is a most bizzarre story.
Actually it’s the same old story.Retarded ,junkie ,criminal released into public by libtard judge
I am so very sorry for this happening to this man. My gosh, after just owning the home for three days. I hope that disgusting pig spends the rest of his life in prison–i wish we had the death penalty here in WI
I see that this guy was a convicted felon and had charges for carrying a concealed knife at least twice. The latest charge was in December and it appears that a deal with the current DA was made and adjudicated on January 29. What was the deal made and did the judge follow it? It appears the Judge and DA let this guy walk and he likely was handed his knife back as he was released from jail. Kevin I hope you follow up on this a report the facts here.
This was under the previous DA.
Thank you for the very important correction.
This was under the previous DA, Xavier Solis will handle this case appropriately, don’t you worry.
So it appears that this guy was a felon and was charged multiple times for carrying a concealed knife. The latest occurred in December 2024. It appears the current DA’s office struck a deal with this guy and on January 29 he was sentenced to the 48 days served. I’m guessing that when he left jail he was handed his knife back.
Kevin I’m looking forward to a follow up story on this. What was the deal that the current DAs office recommended and did the judge follow it? Did he get his knife back when he left jail? I’m sure there is a paper trail a mile long and Kevin can get the documents for all to see.
This was under the previous DA.
A story is coming all right. Graveley recommended a fine for felony possession of a machine gun.
Pit Bulls in the cell with him. Not a death sentence. Should be fun to watch. Probably a Illinois state reject anyway. Nothing lost, dogs are fed. Everyone is happy.
It’s terrible this guy and the dog are dead, but at least this “long time resident of Kenosha” is off the streets for good. Watching him in the video, you can see pure evil in his eyes.
The cops can write many speeding tickets and pull people over for flipping them off. Hero’s?
Extremely sad! Such evil! He better get life no parole & hope he gets what he deserves in there!
Every cop that writes a speeding ticket in Kenosha county is a hero. Speeding and loud vehicles are the number one problem in the area.
100 YEARS LOCK HIM UP SUPER MAX . POS
Evil just evil. What did he think? When he got out of prison his Grandmas house would be his? So sorry for the family’s loss and the loss of his beloved dog. Hang that POS high
Apparently Grandma used to bail Tercek out and offer him shelter when he had no where else to go. So it just wasn’t “right” for Pfannkuche to take that away from him.
A brain fried on a lifetime of illicit drug use may help to explain his demonic actions.
Look up his 20+ court record (https://wcca.wicourts.gov).
Did his attorney lie to the judge? He is 41, but claims to have graduated from Indian Trails. Is that possible?
yes it is, Indian Trail Academy’s first year was 1998. That was before it became a “real” school
YES, I AM 42 AND INDIAN TRAIL WAS A HIGH SCHOOL WHEN I GRADUATED
Were you the Wade brother that dated Liz? If so, your brother Mike was bonking her for years…
👀
I hear the criminal complaint is a good read. Does anyone have a pdf handy?
Even T. Claire Binger could successfully prosecute this case .
What is so sad about this is that the accused looks so evil with his shaved head and beard, and the victim looks like such a nice guy, with the loyal dog trying to protect him, who also is killed. I don’t think there is anything that could excuse that type of act, even if he was out of his mind on drugs and recently sent to jail for crimes that shouldn’t be crimes, and while he is in jail the system takes his/grandmothers house and justifialbly pissed off at the system. Doesn’t excuse stabbing to guy an innocent man and his dog. Drugs can make you do terrible and stupid things, but they don’t make you do EVIL things like this.
Congratulations to the Branch Manager. Schatz has always favored the tree chipper as a deterrent to criminals. Also useful in returning illegals to their homeland.
Wood chipper is the only option. This guy is a great example of why some animals eat their young. Wasted oxygen on this animal. The DA from the past has blood on his hands. Disgusting!