RACINE, Wis. — A heartbreaking case unfolds as 15-year-old Reed Gelinskey, accused of fatally stabbing his mother, Suzanne Gelinskey, returns to court for a preliminary hearing. Prosecutors have charged him as an adult, alleging that he meticulously planned to kill both his parents, drawing inspiration from a documentary about the infamous Menendez brothers.
Suzanne Gelinskey, a beloved 4K Educational Assistant at Knapp Elementary School, was discovered stabbed to death in their home on March 4. The shocking crime came to light after authorities received a disturbing call from an individual who had allegedly been sent graphic images of the crime via Snapchat.
According to the criminal complaint filed on March 6, the evidence points to a premeditated act. The case has sent shockwaves through the Caledonia and Racine communities, leaving friends, colleagues, and parents at Knapp Elementary in mourning.
During his initial court appearance, conducted over Zoom, the court commissioner set Gelinskey’s bond at $1 million in cash. While the teen remains in custody at the juvenile detention center, he has been granted supervised contact with his father.
The case has drawn comparisons to the notorious Menendez brothers, Erik and Lyle, who were convicted in 1989 for the murder of their parents. Prosecutors claim Reed Gelinskey was influenced by a recent documentary about the case, allegedly leading him to commit the horrific crime.
As the legal proceedings continue, the community grapples with the devastating loss of Suzanne Gelinskey, remembered for her dedication to education and her impact on young students. Parents, teachers, and local officials express deep sorrow and disbelief over the tragedy, emphasizing the urgent need for discussions about youth mental health and crime prevention.
Stay tuned for further updates as this tragic case unfolds.
