Break in the case: Police arrest suspect involved in 45-year-old Tim Minkley's death

WAUKESHA -- Waukesha police have made a huge breakthrough in the case regarding the murder of 45-year-old Timothy Minkley.  Authorities say they have made an arrest after initial investigation indicates the suspect knew Minkley, and this homicide was an isolated act. Minkley was found Monday, September 14th in his apartment with head trauma. Police are looking at Minkley's electronic equipment, computers, possibly a phone and interestingly enough, a camera that could have recorded the crime.

Tim Minkley

Timothy Minkley had a lot of friends. Some of those friends say others had taken advantage of him. Police confirm Minkley filed recent reports with police. In January, he reported the theft of mail; in February, he reported a birthday card was stolen. Before that, he reported a check and wallet stolen in June -- the check fraudulently cashed. It all led to Minkley setting up a camera inside his apartment. Police are investigating to see if it was working Monday evening. That's when Minkley was found dead. The medical examiner says he had a serious head wound.

Suspicious death in Waukesha

"What I remember about Tim is his desire to paint and to serve in some way by painting," said Pastor Dan Schwerin, First United Methodist Church. Pastor Schwerin says Minkley was an active participant in church and volunteering, and a respected artist. Minkley designed the mural for the church mission to Costa Rica and other works that hang in public buildings in Waukesha. "He loved to draw a lion on a face and make a kid smile like that. He was here all day Saturday for a carnival and all day Sunday, till we finished here," said Pastor Schwerin. Waukesha police say on Wednesday, a suspect was taken into custody without incident during the execution of a search warrant. They will not be releasing the name of the suspect at this time. Authorities are scheduled to release more details on Thursday, September 17th. As for the camera in Minkley's apartment, it is unclear at this point if it was recording or not.