Andrew Z. Tohulka, a 20-year-old White male from Green Bay, Wisconsin, tragically lost his life on February 20, 2017, just four days before he would have celebrated his 21st birthday. A graduate of Ashwaubenon High School in 2014, Andrew had found his calling as a Certified Nursing Assistant after attending Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. He was a cherished employee at Angel's on Arcadian in De Pere, where he was adored by both his colleagues and the residents he cared for with
compassion and a sense of purpose. Remembered for his incredible sense of humor and intuition, Andrew was a thoughtful young man who was always there for his friends and family.
The circumstances of his death were both sudden and heartbreaking. Andrew was at a home with a friend, 19-year-old Bryant Ellis, when a day that should have been filled with youthful camaraderie took a devastating turn. While drinking and smoking marijuana, Ellis began playing with a handgun. Believing the firearm to be unloaded, he pointed it and fired, fatally shooting Andrew in the head. The tragic incident was a result of reckless behavior, a fact that would later be emphasized in legal proceedings.
In the aftermath of the shooting, Bryant Ellis was taken into custody and ultimately convicted for the death of his best friend. During his sentencing, Ellis expressed deep remorse, stating that he too had "died that day." He described Andrew as a "beautiful human being" who was loving, caring, generous, and respectful. Andrew's mother, Teresa Knoke, shared the immense pain her family endured, advocating for a significant sentence for Ellis due to the profound loss her family suffered.
In April 2018, a judge sentenced Bryant Ellis to 20 years in prison, a sentence that exceeded the state's recommendation. The judge characterized Ellis's actions as "so grossly reckless," leading to the tragic and untimely death of a young man who had a promising future ahead of him. The sentence also included 15 years of extended supervision following his release from prison. The story of Andrew's death serves as a somber reminder of the devastating consequences of irresponsible actions.
