A Wisconsin community is mourning after a father and his two daughters were found dead inside their home just hours after a divorce hearing between the children’s parents.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the deaths of Jeffrey Manke, 57, and his daughters, Jaely, 16, and Lenora, 11, who were discovered during a welfare check at a residence in Winneconne on Friday.
Welfare Check
According to WLUK, police responded to a home in Winneconne after conducting a welfare check.
Inside the residence, officers found the bodies of Jeffrey Manke and his two daughters.
Officials have not publicly announced the cause or manner of death, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Divorce Proceedings
Court records show that Manke and Lindsey Lewandowski, 38, attended a divorce hearing earlier the same day.
According to court documents, the marriage had been determined to be “irretrievably broken with no chance for reconciliation” following a custody dispute that lasted nearly a year.
Custody Case
Court records indicate that Lewandowski had sought sole legal custody of the two children.
However, the court ultimately granted both parents joint legal custody, finding each to be a fit and proper parent under the applicable legal standard.
The documents also show that Manke was prohibited from consuming drugs or alcohol while the children were in his care.
A previously filed restraining order also noted that he had access to firearms.
Mother’s Statement
In a Facebook post published after the deaths, Lewandowski, who uses the name “Lindsey Dash” on the platform, said her daughters had expressed that they felt unsafe while in their father’s care.
She also wrote that she had repeatedly sought help through various channels, including child welfare reports and contacts with authorities.
Lewandowski alleged that her concerns and those of her daughters were not adequately addressed before the tragedy.
These statements reflect her personal account and have not been independently verified by investigators.
Investigation Continues
The Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office has not confirmed whether the deaths are being investigated as a murder-suicide.
When contacted by media outlets, the agency declined to comment on that aspect of the investigation.
Officials have not released additional details regarding the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The Winnebago Circuit Court and the Winnebago County Department of Human Services had not publicly commented on the case.
As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to determine the cause and manner of death through the appropriate investigative process.
FAQs
Where did the incident occur?
The deaths occurred in Winneconne, Wisconsin.
Who was found dead?
Jeffrey Manke and his daughters Jaely and Lenora.
When were they discovered?
They were found during a welfare check on Friday.
Has the cause of death been confirmed?
No. Authorities are continuing the investigation.
Did officials confirm a murder-suicide?
No. Investigators have not confirmed the manner of death.
