A Wisconsin man has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after brutally stabbing a homeowner and his dog just days after the victim moved into his new house.
Justin Tercek, 43, was convicted of first-degree intentional homicide, animal mistreatment causing death, burglary, and criminal damage to property in the February 2025 killing of 52-year-old Andrew Pfannkuche.
According to prosecutors, Pfannkuche had purchased the home from the estate of Tercek’s late grandmother and had lived there for only three days when Tercek forced his way inside. During an initial confrontation, Tercek allegedly insisted the house still belonged to his grandmother, accused Pfannkuche of trespassing, and took a set of keys before leaving.
Authorities say Tercek returned to the property multiple times later that night before fatally stabbing Pfannkuche and his dog, Jake. The victims were discovered later that day after Tercek’s relatives went to the home intending to apologize for his earlier behavior.
During sentencing, the court learned Tercek had recently been released from jail before the attack. Prosecutors also revealed he had reportedly told a pastor the day before the killings that he believed he was possessed by demons.
Tercek chose not to address the court. Instead, family members described the devastating impact of the crime, saying no sentence could bring back their loved one or erase the loss they continue to feel.
Andrew Pfannkuche was remembered as a kind and generous man who loved NASCAR, baseball, classic movies, and fixing anything that needed repair. His family said his warmth, humor, and devotion to those around him will never be forgotten.
