Waukesha police investigate first homicide of 2009

William J. Lizdas
Waukesha police remain at the scene Wednesday morning of an apparent homicide that occurred Tuesday on the city’s east side.
Published on: 6/17/2009

Waukesha — A 55-year-old Waukesha woman was apparently stabbed to death Tuesday on the upper floor of a two-story duplex on the city's east side in what appears to be a domestic dispute turned deadly.

A 49-year-old man who lived in the flat is the suspect. He was arrested and held at Waukesha Memorial Hospital under police guard.

The homicide was the first this year for a city that rarely experiences murders, police Capt. Mark Stigler said at a news conference Wednesday.

The two had a "contentious relationship," and police had responded to complaints at the home in the 900 block of Arcadian Ave. at least 15 times since Jan. 1, 2008, Stigler said.

An owner of the rental property, Lois Jacobson of Waukesha, said the two often had lovers' quarrels.

Stigler said the two may have had "mental issues," and the disputes usually were minor and not violent.

Each had their own flat but the two often shared each other's living spaces, he said.

Jacobson said the couple were reclusive unless they were arguing. They would then call her or her husband, Duane, seeking mediation help.

Stigler said police were unsure of the nature of their longstanding relationship other than that their regular arguments involved police intervention. They had lived in the duplex for four or five years, he said.

The suspect called police about 9:30 p.m., saying he had stabbed the woman.

The identities were not being released until possibly Thursday morning, another police spokesman said.

The woman was found dead upstairs in a common area.

Stigler would not say how many times the woman was stabbed, saying only that the wounds were extensive.

Police believe the suspect used a large kitchen knife. The use of drugs or alcohol was not involved, he said.

It was not known if or when the suspect would make a court appearance, Stigler said.