SOUTH MILWAUKEE, Wis. — A 15-year-old is facing homicide charges after allegedly strangling a 68-year-old woman to death in South Milwaukee, with new court documents revealing this was not the first time the teenager allegedly strangled the victim.
The victim has been identified as Elizabeth Totsky by the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office. The teenager, who is related to Totsky, is being held at the juvenile detention center. It remains unclear whether the teen will be charged as an adult or a juvenile.
According to court documents, the state alleges the teenager waited 10 minutes before calling 911 after the incident.
Watch: 15-year-old arrested in South Milwaukee homicide case
Initial response and investigation
South Milwaukee police and fire responded to a home in the 1700 block of Oak Street on Aug. 27 for a woman who was not breathing and did not have a pulse. First responders were able to stabilize Totsky and transport her to a hospital, but she died on Sunday.
The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy, and preliminary findings showed internal injuries consistent with strangulation.
"I looked out the window, and there was three paramedic trucks, two squads, and a pickup truck," said Robert Engelbart, a neighbor. "It's terrible. I don't think something like that would happen in our neighborhood."
An investigation led to the arrest of the 15-year-old on Wednesday. Police have not disclosed the exact nature of the relationship between the suspect and victim, only confirming they were related.
When asked if police had previous contact with the teenager, a South Milwaukee Police supervisor said they were not releasing any additional information since the investigation is ongoing.
This case will be referred to the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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