In what marked the city of Waukesha's first homicide in nearly three years, 74-year-old Nancy Lovejoy, a White female, was shot and killed in her own home on August 25, 2024. The tragic event unfolded after an argument with her 25-year-old grandson, Sean Couture, with whom she lived. The dispute began when Lovejoy discovered a handgun in her grandson's bedroom.
Fearing his grandmother would contact the police, Couture shot her six times, with one bullet striking her through the heart.
After the shooting, he dragged her body to the basement stairs. Couture, who was intoxicated with a blood alcohol level of 0.450, then called his father and stepmother and confessed to the killing. His parents promptly called 911.
When Waukesha police arrived at the home near Douglass and Grand, Couture had barricaded himself inside, leading to a standoff that lasted for more than three hours. Officers eventually used a K-9 unit to enter the home and apprehend Couture. He was taken to the hospital for his intoxicated state before being transferred to jail. Police found a loaded handgun in the residence.
Sean Couture was charged with first-degree intentional homicide. He later pleaded no contest to the charge as part of a plea deal where two other charges were dismissed. Subsequently, he was sentenced to life in prison and will be eligible for release after serving 26 years. The community mourned the loss of Lovejoy, who was remembered by her brother as someone who was very friendly and would do anything for her grandkids, especially Sean.
