‘It shouldn’t have happened’: Memorial grows outside Wisconsin home where 4 people and dog found dead
By Kathryn Merck
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WEST BEND, Wisconsin (WDJT) — Police say the man believed to be the suspect, also among the dead, has been identified as 54-year-old David Slawnikowski.
The Milwaukee Police Department confirmed Monday that a former officer with that name separated from their department in 2012.
West Bend police say the identifies of the victims will not be released.
A memorial is growing outside a West Bend home where authorities say four people and a dog were found dead. A police source tells CBS 58 a former Milwaukee Police Department officer was the suspect among the dead. Police are investigating what’s being called a domestic violence situation.
On Monday, Nov. 9, people who knew the victims visited the memorial outside the home on E. Washington Street.
“This was a family who was loved by a lot of people, had pretty close ties here in West Bend, and really just an amazing family and it’s just really tragic to have something like this happen in our community,” said Megan Camin, a friend of the victims.
West Bend home where 4 people were found dead.
“It’s very sad. It shouldn’t have happened. It breaks my heart,” said RJ Mueller, who knew one of the victims.
Dispatchers got the call just after 11:40 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7. Police found an adult woman, a boy, a girl and an adult man inside. We know they are all connected.
Officers also found another girl inside the home who was taken to the hospital. She is now in stable condition and recovering.
“To know that there’s one child left that has to pick up the pieces and learn how to live again is absolutely heartbreaking,” said Jamie Jandre, owner of Daisies Sweet Treats in West Bend.
The community is coming together to try and help the living victims. The owner of Daisies Sweet Treats, Jamie Jandre, offered free items to first responders at the scene.
“I took everything that I had left and dropped it off at the police department. They were very appreciative and expressed how rough of a time they were having with it, so they definitely appreciated it,” Jandre said.
As those who knew the victims grieve, the memorial acts as a reminder of how the community is responding to the heartbreaking deaths.
“They light up the room when they came in, everyone kind of knew them. They were really happy people and so it just effects a lot of people here,” Camin said.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, there is 24/7 support. Call or text 988 for help.
If you or someone you know is living with domestic abuse, know there is help out there. Getting help doesn’t mean you have to leave, but it does mean you can survive. And if you’re causing harm, there’s help for you too.
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