MILWAUKEE, WI – A Milwaukee woman was found dead in her apartment last week after police say she was stabbed multiple times by the man she lived with, in what authorities are describing as a case of domestic violence.
Amanda Varisco, 44, was discovered by officers on Thursday night when they responded to a call at her apartment. Police were reportedly let inside by Mile Dukic, 39, who lived in the residence with Varisco. Officials say Varisco was found lying on the floor, unresponsive, and efforts to revive her at the scene were unsuccessful.
Investigators said Varisco’s daughter played a critical role in alerting authorities after receiving disturbing messages from Dukic that evening. According to police records, Dukic texted the daughter that he had killed her mother, referencing a heated argument involving another man during a phone call. The daughter and her boyfriend arrived at the apartment quickly but were denied entry by Dukic, who allegedly told them through the door, “I already told you she’s gone. I’m not letting you in.”
An autopsy found that Varisco had suffered 22 stab wounds to the chest and abdomen, and bore defensive injuries on her hands and arms, indicating she attempted to protect herself during the attack.
Court documents indicate that Dukic admitted to police that an altercation began after Varisco said she wanted to leave and meet someone else. He told detectives the argument intensified, leading him to punch Varisco multiple times, knocking her unconscious, before he allegedly stabbed her repeatedly with a knife.
Varisco’s family and loved ones are left mourning the loss of a mother of four and grandmother to five. In the wake of the tragedy, relatives have initiated a fundraising effort to help cover funeral expenses and support Varisco’s children and grandchildren.
Police records reveal that Dukic had previously been charged with felony stalking and was released from custody pending court proceedings, with orders not to commit further crimes. The active cases were still ongoing at the time of the killing.
Dukic was taken into custody at the scene and now faces charges of first-degree intentional homicide and two counts of bail jumping. He remains incarcerated at Milwaukee County Jail and has made his initial appearance in court. A separate court hearing related to previous charges is slated for March 10.
As the investigation continues, Varisco’s family and community are grappling with the violence that claimed her life, highlighting concerns about repeat offenders and the ongoing impact of domestic violence in Milwaukee.