News Summary
A 15-year-old boy has been arrested in South Milwaukee for allegedly strangling his 68-year-old grandmother. Elizabeth Totsky was found unresponsive and later died in the hospital. The boy confessed to the crime during police questioning. Prosecutors allege he delayed calling for help and failed to perform CPR. The Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office is reviewing the case for formal charges amid ongoing investigations into familial violence and juvenile crime.
South Milwaukee Police Arrest 15-Year-Old Boy in Connection with Grandmother’s Death
A 15-year-old boy has been arrested for allegedly strangling his 68-year-old grandmother, Elizabeth Totsky, in South Milwaukee. The incident occurred at a residence near 17th Avenue and Oak Street, prompting a medical response on August 27 after Totsky was found without a pulse and not breathing.
Emergency medical services arrived at the home and immediately transported Totsky to an area hospital. Unfortunately, she succumbed to her injuries four days later, on August 31. An autopsy conducted by the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office revealed injuries on her neck that were consistent with strangulation.
The police took the 15-year-old boy into custody on Wednesday in connection with Totsky’s death. Although he appeared virtually in court following his arrest, he has not been formally charged yet. However, court documents indicate that Assistant District Attorney Lisa Valenti-Jordan noted the teen confessed to the crime during police questioning.
Details of the Alleged Crime
Prosecutors allege that the boy had previously strangled his grandmother to the point of her losing consciousness, only to strangle her again before delaying the emergency call. Reports indicate that he waited approximately ten minutes after the second strangling incident before contacting emergency services, and he also reportedly refused to perform CPR.
During the court proceedings, Court Commissioner Katharine Kucharski determined that there was probable cause to hold the teen in custody, referencing nearly 30 pages of police reports that suggested he posed an imminent danger to himself or others.
Investigation Findings
The ongoing investigation has raised numerous questions surrounding the circumstances of the incident. The police reports detail a troubling timeline indicating the delay in seeking help, compounded with the boy’s refusal to provide assistance to Totsky post-incident. Specific details outlining the relationship between the boy and Totsky, along with his identity, remain confidential due to a court order designed to protect juvenile proceedings.
Next Steps in the Case
The Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office homicide unit is currently reviewing the case and is expected to file formal charges in the near future. The proceedings will continue to unfold as authorities gather more evidence and determine the appropriate legal response to this tragic incident.
Context of the Incident
This tragic event underscores the severe nature of familial violence, specifically within domestic settings. The circumstances have drawn attention to issues surrounding juvenile crime and the complexities involved in cases that include minors. As the investigation continues, it highlights a need for support and intervention in situations involving at-risk youth and families in crisis.
As the community grapples with the shocking nature of this crime, the focus will remain on the investigation’s progression and the impending legal ramifications for the accused individual.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Fox6Now: South Milwaukee Homicide Investigation
- Wikipedia: Homicide
- WISN: Teen to Remain in Custody
- Google Search: South Milwaukee homicide
- Jsonline: Milwaukee Man Found Guilty
- Google Scholar: Juvenile Crime in Wisconsin
- WISN: South Milwaukee Police Arrest Teen
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- Patch: Mother and Boyfriend Charged
- Google News: South Milwaukee crime
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
