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Father and Two Daughters Found Dead in Wisconsin Home Hours After Divorce Finalized

The Winnebago County Sheriff's Office is leading an active investigation with no cause or manner of death released.

Overview

  • Officers conducting a welfare check discovered the bodies of 57-year-old Jeffrey Manke and his daughters, Jaelyn, 16, and Lenora, 11, in Winneconne, Wisconsin, after being called about a medical incident on Friday, July 31.
  • Court records show the couple's nearly two-year divorce and custody battle ended the same day with joint legal custody awarded to both parents.
  • A restraining order filed earlier this year noted Manke's access to firearms and barred drugs or alcohol around the children while they were in his care.
  • The girls' mother, Lindsey Lewandowski, says she repeatedly reported safety concerns to counselors, child protective services and police, and she has filed a motion to vacate the divorce judgment with a hearing scheduled.
  • Investigators have called the deaths an isolated incident, public details remain limited, and community members have launched a GiveSendGo fundraiser and local support efforts for the surviving parent while the probe continues.