Jerome Skluzacek Obituary, Death – Murder charges are anticipated against a man accused of a violent rampage that began with a domestic assault in south Minneapolis and ended hours later in Willmar, resulting in one fatality and another person injured. The suspect is currently in custody.
Jerome Skluzacek, a 55-year-old resident of New London, was killed when the 25-year-old suspect attempted to carjack him, according to a statement from the Kandiyohi County Sheriff’s Office. Although the name of the suspect has not been released, as formal charges have yet to be filed, he remains in jail in Kandiyohi County without bond on suspicion of second-degree murder.
Prior to the fatal carjacking, the suspect allegedly shot and wounded another 25-year-old man at a rural residence near Lake Lillian. Fortunately, this victim is currently in stable condition and is expected to survive.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara reported that officers responded to a 911 call around 12:30 p.m. regarding shots being fired from a balcony at an apartment building located at the intersection of 29th Street and Lyndale Avenue South. Upon arrival, police spoke with two individuals in the vicinity of the apartment. These individuals included the suspect’s ex-girlfriend and her current boyfriend.
O’Hara revealed that while the suspect shot at his ex-girlfriend and her partner, neither was injured during the incident. At the time of the shooting, the woman was outside retrieving her belongings from the building. The couple was fortunately unharmed, although the incident was understandably distressing.
The suspect and his ex-girlfriend share a child together, prompting a relative to pick up their child from a daycare center in south Minneapolis. This daycare was placed on lockdown as a precautionary measure. Additionally, court records indicate that the suspect has a two-year-old daughter with another woman living in south Minneapolis.
The exact moment when the suspect left the apartment remains unclear. However, Chief O’Hara stated that officers initially acted under the assumption that he was still inside. After determining that the suspect had exited the city, crisis negotiators were contacted to engage with him.
O’Hara explained that officers successfully reached the suspect via phone, with crisis negotiators maintaining communication for an extended period. Meanwhile, the Minneapolis Police Department issued alerts to law enforcement agencies located west of the city to inform them of the situation.
According to the Kandiyohi County Sheriff’s Office, law enforcement pursued the suspect’s vehicle to the Highway 71/23 bypass located southeast of Willmar, where he allegedly shot and killed Skluzacek. Sheriff Eric Tollefson and several deputies reportedly witnessed the shooting and subsequently arrested the suspect.
Investigators noted that the suspect does not have a criminal history in Minnesota beyond minor traffic violations and a petty misdemeanor conviction related to drug paraphernalia possession.
As the investigation progresses, officials are collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses to determine the full scope of the events that transpired during this tragic series of incidents. Authorities are urging anyone with additional information to come forward as they work to piece together the details of this case.
This incident has raised significant concerns in the community, particularly regarding domestic violence and public safety. The Minneapolis Police Department and local agencies are emphasizing the importance of reporting such incidents and seeking help to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Victim support services and resources are being made available to those affected by this tragedy, underscoring the community’s commitment to healing and support during such difficult times. The investigation continues as authorities seek to bring clarity to this case and ensure accountability for the actions that led to these violent events.