Skip to main content

Homicide Victim Identified; Suspect Appears in Court

Feb. 5, 2025 2:15p

(WGTD)---An Illinois man who had just bought a home in Kenosha was killed following a confrontation with the grandson of the late woman who used to own it.

41-year-old Justin Tercek appeared in Kenosha Court Wednesday to face charges of 1st Degree Intentional Homicide and burglary.

Tercek allegedly stabbed 52-year-old Andrew Pfannkuche 25 times. He allegedly also killed his dog.

As outlined in the criminal complaint, the story begins early Monday morning when Tercek purportedly broke into the home in the 8500 blk. of 18th Ave. and woke up Pfannkuche.  

In relaying the tale later in the day to a realtor, Pfannkuche said the intruder claimed the house belonged to his grandmother, when in fact his grandmother's estate had just sold the house to Pfannkuche. The intruder left.  

The suspect then returned at 5 a.m. to run over a 'for sale' sign that was still in the front yard. 

A police officer took a report on the strange encounter just before noon. 

Then at 2:30 in the afternoon, the defendant's aunt and uncle showed up at the house to apologize for their nephew's actions. When no one came to the door, they peered in and spotted blood, and also heard what sounded like a dog in distress.

Police were called. Pfannkuche's body was found in the basement, along with that of his dog. Based on neighbors' surveillance cameras, it appeared Tercek re-entered the home just 45 minutes before the 9-1-1 call was made by his relatives. 

Tercek--covered in blood--was located and arrested that evening. 

In court Wednesday, bond was set at $1.5 million.

-0-