Authorities have not disclosed how the three family members died as their mother says earlier safety concerns went unaddressed.
WINNECONNE, Wis. — Authorities are investigating the deaths of a father and his two daughters, who were found inside a Wisconsin home hours after a court finalized the parents’ divorce.
The Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office, Winneconne Police Department and county medical examiner identified the three as 57-year-old Jeffrey Manke and his daughters, 16-year-old Jaeylyn Manke and 11-year-old Lenora Manke. Officers found them dead Friday evening at a residence in the 500 block of Division Street after responding to a reported medical incident and welfare check.
Investigators have not released the causes or manners of death. They also have not publicly described evidence showing what occurred inside the home or identified any person as responsible. Officials said the incident appeared to be isolated and that there was no continuing threat to the public.
Online court records reviewed by local news organizations show a divorce hearing involving Jeffrey Manke and the girls’ mother, Lindsey Lewandowski, was held earlier Friday. The court granted the divorce after finding the marriage was irretrievably broken, according to FOX 11. Authorities have not said whether the court proceeding was connected to the deaths.
Lewandowski said in a public social media statement that she had tried to raise concerns about her daughters’ safety during the family’s prolonged custody dispute. She said reports had been made to child protective services and police and that the girls had expressed fear about staying with their father.
“I fought so hard to try to keep them safe,” Lewandowski wrote. She said she had been legally required to send the girls for parenting time despite their concerns and believed the institutions involved had failed to protect them. Her statements describe her account of the dispute and have not been confirmed as findings in the death investigation.
Court records cited by the New York Post show Lewandowski previously sought sole legal custody and filed for a temporary restraining order. The filing reportedly referred to Manke’s access to firearms and alleged concerns involving alcohol, drugs and his behavior. A court later maintained joint legal custody after finding both parents fit, according to the report.
The available public records do not establish that the allegations in the custody case caused or predicted the deaths. Officials have not said whether a firearm was recovered, whether the deaths involved gunfire or whether evidence supports reports describing the case as a possible murder-suicide. Those questions remain unresolved while investigators await forensic findings.
Jaeylyn and Lenora were remembered by members of their community as sisters who participated in dance. Richard’s School of Dance in Oshkosh publicly mourned the girls, while fundraising and meal-support pages were established to help their mother with funeral costs and daily expenses.
The Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains active and asked anyone with relevant information to contact investigators. Additional findings, including the causes and manners of death, had not been released as of Wednesday.
Author note: Last updated August 5, 2026.