(Mugshots Courtesy Kenosha County Sheriff)
Kenosha County Eye took a dive into the criminal past of homicide suspect Justin L. Tercek, 41, of Kenosha. Tercek has been charged in the February 3 brutal stabbing of Andrew D. Pfannkuche. This isn’t Tercek’s first run-in with the law. He’s a convicted felon that has had very lenient treatment from past judges and prosecutors.
Past Offenses and Legal History
Tercek’s legal troubles date back more than a decade. On November 19, 2007, Tercek was charged with Possession of a Machine Gun, Possession of THC, and two counts of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Then-Deputy District Attorney Michael Graveley dismissed all but the gun charge and recommended a fine.
According to the criminal complaint, police responded to a call about an unconscious male at Tercek’s residence. Officers found Tercek unresponsive on the floor, with a strong odor of marijuana present in the apartment. A search revealed multiple loaded firearms, drug paraphernalia, and an MP40 German submachine gun in full-auto mode, leading to his felony gun charge.
On May 10, 2020, Tercek was charged with Domestic Battery, Domestic Abuse Disorderly Conduct, and Carrying a Concealed Knife. Then-Assistant District Attorney Carli McNeil dismissed the weapons charge and domestic abuse charge and recommended probation.
According to the criminal complaint, Tercek allegedly assaulted his wife, during a heated altercation, punching her multiple times and forcibly removing their child from her vehicle. Witnesses reported seeing visible injuries on his wife, leading to her hospitalization. Officers later found a concealed knife on Tercek during their investigation.
Repeated Patterns of Violence and Drug Use
On December 13, 2024, Tercek was charged with Carrying a Concealed Knife and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Assistant District Attorney Tim Martin dismissed the drug charge and asked for time served, which was 48 days.
According to the criminal complaint, police responded to a 911 call where a male voice was heard yelling for help before the call disconnected. Upon arrival, officers found Tercek in a paranoid state, claiming unknown individuals were trying to kill him. A frisk revealed he was carrying multiple knives, and a search uncovered a glass pipe with burnt residue. His mother later confirmed his regular methamphetamine use.
A Justice System Under Scrutiny
With Tercek now charged with homicide, concerns are mounting over whether prior leniency from the judicial system may have enabled his continued criminal behavior. Despite repeated encounters with law enforcement involving weapons, drugs, and violent offenses, Tercek was consistently given minimal consequences.
The February 3 murder of Andrew D. Pfannkuche has reignited discussions about sentencing practices and prosecutorial discretion in Kenosha County. As the case moves forward, many will be watching closely to see whether this time, justice will be served.
6 Responses
Thankfully his easy ride is over!
Go DA Solis!!!
DA SOLIS IS GOING TO PUT AN END TO THIS
Why did judges agree with no or less charges? Please list judges who turned a blind eye?
Da Solis Put him away where he belongs
It is unbelievable how many of these scumbags get a signature bond, and a slap on the wrist so many times. The poor victim was a victim of an incompetent criminal justice system. The police would arrest and ask for charges, the DAs office would baby these people so they can commit more crimes.
Man, Tim Martin is total garbage as a prosecutor. Dump him,
Solis.