Wisconsin – The 49-year-old Wisconsin man, who reportedly drove his vehicIe into a famiIy, resulting in the death of a woman and their pet, was found unresponsive in his jaiI ceII at approximately less than 24 hours after his initial court appearance.
Despite Iife-saving efforts by jaiI staff and emergency responders, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed his identity, and an autopsy was conducted. The cause and manner of death remain under investigation by the medical examiner and the local police department.
The 49-year-old defendant, J. Andres, allegedly drove his vehicle into a neighboring family, resulting in the death of 41-year-old K. Hensen and the family’s pet. Her husband, PauI, and their child, 13, sustained injuries in the crash.
The defendant was arrested at the scene and charged with multiple felonies, including first-degree intentional homicide, two counts of attempted first-degree intentional homicide, and mistreatment of animals causing death.
According to the criminal complaint, the family was out for an evening walk when the defendant allegedly accelerated his vehicle and struck them on the sidewalk. Witnesses reported that the vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed, estimated at 60 mph in a 25 mph zone, before jumping the curb and hitting the family.
The 41-year-old victim was thrown approximately thirty feet and later succumbed to her injuries at the University of Wisconsin Hospital. Her son suffered significant injuries, including a concussion and lacerations requiring surgery, while the victim’s spouse sustained minor injuries.
Wisconsin authorities revealed that the defendant and the family were previously close friends and neighbors. However, their relationship deteriorated following allegations that a juvenile member of the victim’s family had committed a sensitive crime against the defendant’s minor child.
Just hours before the crash, the defendant reportedly received redacted police reports related to the investigation. Prosecutors allege that his actions were a form of vigiIante justice in response to these allegations.
Following the incident, the defendant remained at the scene and was taken into custody. He was treated for injuries at a local hospital, where he reportedly disclosed experiencing suicidal thoughts in the past month.
Less than 24 hours after his initial court appearance, he was found unresponsive in his jail cell. Despite life-saving efforts by jail staff and emergency responders, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The incident has raised concerns about the handling of sensitive criminal allegations and the potential for individuals to take justice into their own hands. Wisconsin authorities continue to investigate both the initial allegations involving the juveniles and the circumstances surrounding the defendant’s death in custody.
Featured Image – 49-year-old J. Andres | 41-year-old K. Hensen