Waukesha fatal shooting; 24-year-old accused of killing his grandmother
Sean Couture
WAUKESHA, Wis. - A 24-year-old Waukesha man is accused of shooting and killing his grandmother near Garfield and Douglass on Sunday night, Aug. 25. The accused is Sean Couture – and he faces the following criminal counts:
- First-degree intentional homicide
- Fail/comply-officer/person in custody
- Operate firearm while intoxicated
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Case details
Prosecutors say the defendant in Waukesha’s first homicide in nearly three years shot and killed his grandmother after she found his gun.
After a standoff, they say they found the defendant, Sean Couture, very drunk.
Investigators say he called his father and stepmother and confessed to killing his grandmother.
Homicide investigation near Garfield and Douglass, Waukesha
On Thursday, Aug. 29, prosecutors charged him with homicide and set cash bond at $1 million dollars.
"Upon a conviction, you could be sentenced to imprisonment to life," said Court Commissioner Daniel Rieck.
Investigators say 24-year-old Sean Couture got into an argument with 74-year-old Nancy Lovejoy after she found a gun in his bedroom.
Prosecutors say he shot Lovejoy six times, once through the heart.
"She always put her heart out there for him and wanted to get him help, and it just didn’t work," said Dennis Simons, Lovejoy's brother.
Simons says Lovejoy and Couture lived together. He remembers Lovejoy’s kindness.
"She just loved helping – even neighbors. Everyone just liked her. She was just friendly to everybody," Simons added.
Tactical units surrounded the home near Douglass and Grand for more than three hours.
"I’ve heard multiple commands for him to get outside," said Shaylyn Helm-Lyon, a neighbor.
Scene near Garfield and Douglass
A K-9 was sent in and bit Couture, allowing officers to grab him.
Police say they found a loaded 9-mm semi-automatic weapon in the house.
Prosecutors say couture was previously cited for OWI in 2022 and convicted of disorderly conduct last year.
"He has just completed his term of probation in that matter in March of this year – shortly before going out and purchasing a firearm that was used in this case," said Prosecutor Randy Sitzberger.
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Homicide investigation near Garfield and Douglass, Waukesha
Couture was taken to the hospital, and his blood alcohol concentration was 0.45%.
Police say he dragged his grandmother’s body to the basement stairs.
"She would do anything for her grandkids – especially Sean. To have this happen is just so stupid," said Simons.
Neighbors will hold a vigil for Lovejoy on Friday, Aug. 30, at 7 p.m. in front of her house at Douglass and Grand.
Remembering Nancy Lovejoy
Nancy Lovejoy (Courtesy: Facebook, photo use approved by family)
Friends and family confirmed to FOX6 the identity of the victim, Nancy Lovejoy.
FOX6 spoke to one woman who had previously worked with Nancy, and she described her as:
"One of the most selfless people I’ve ever known, always putting others first and offering her help without hesitation. She was incredibly kind, a truly gentle soul who radiated warmth and compassion. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to work with her at the City of Waukesha, where she served in both the Clerk’s Office and Finance before retiring a few years ago."
"Nancy was simply amazing—a rare and special person who made the world a better place just by being in it. I will miss her deeply." - Rubina Medina.
Lovejoy worked for the city of Waukesha for 16 years. A spokeswoman for the city said everyone is deeply saddened by this tragic loss.
"Nancy Lovejoy worked for the City of Waukesha from November 15, 1999, to January 8, 2016, in the Finance Department as a Clerk Typist III (1999-2008) and Account Clerk IV (2008-2016). We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss of life and our sympathy goes out to her family." - Rebecca Pederson, City of Waukesha.