In the quiet community of Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, the evening of June 19, 2017, was shattered by violence that ended the life of 39-year-old Martha A. Justice, a female resident of the village. What began with the sound of a heated argument escalating within an apartment in the 8600 block of 82nd Street culminated in a tragic discovery that would leave the community in shock.
A witness, alarmed by the sounds of a dispute followed by what they believed were gunshots, promptly alerted the Pleasant Prairie Police Department around 10:20 p.m.
Upon their arrival, officers were met with a grim scene. After forcing entry into the residence, they discovered the bodies of Martha Justice and a 49-year-old male, later identified as her husband, James H. Justice. Both individuals had sustained fatal gunshot wounds and were found in the bedroom of the family's apartment. The initial shock gave way to a swift investigation that would soon piece together the devastating final moments of the married couple.
The investigation conducted by detectives led to the somber conclusion that the incident was a murder-suicide. It was determined that James H. Justice had fatally shot his wife, Martha, before turning the weapon on himself and taking his own life. As the perpetrator was also deceased, the case did not lead to any arrests or the identification of other suspects. The incident left behind a grieving community to grapple with the tragedy and prompted discussions about the underlying issues of domestic violence.
