Police name 74-year-old victim of Waukesha homicide. Suspect, in hospital, awaits charges

WAUKESHA - While the man authorities say shot his grandmother remains hospitalized with charges pending, the name of the victim in the crime has been released.

In a news release Wednesday, Waukesha police said the woman killed was Nancy Lovejoy, 74. According to Waukesha County tax records, Lovejoy was the owner of the home in the 200 block of Douglass Avenue, where the incident unfolded Sunday evening.

Police added that the suspect could be released from the hospital late Wednesday or early Thursday, when he is tentatively expected to make his first appearance in court after charges are filed. Police did not indicate why he was hospitalized.

At about 8:30 p.m. Sunday, authorities were informed about what sounded like multiple shots being fired at a residence on that block. Police eventually made contact with the suspect, who they say confirmed he had fired a weapon and killed his grandmother. The man, who was not identified publicly as he awaits charges, also threatened to harm himself.

The incident led to an hourslong standoff as police tried to negotiate with the suspect and de-escalate the tense atmosphere.

Authorities employed specialized equipment and personnel — including a Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department armored car and team, members of the Waukesha Police Department’s Deployable Technology Unit and a K9 unit utilizing a police dog — to secure the neighborhood and investigate. A drone was later used to search the interior of the house. Lovejoy's body was found inside.

On several occasions, the suspect appeared at the front door but repeatedly refused to exit, according to the news release. Unable to get the suspect to comply, a tactical unit deployed what authorities called "chemical munitions" into the home to force him out. He was apprehended with the help of the K9 unit.

Contact reporter Jim Riccioli at james.riccioli@jrn.com .

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Police name 74-year-old victim of Waukesha homicide. Suspect, in hospital, awaits charges