Nekoosa Man Enters No Contest in Father's Homicide
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WISCONSIN RAPIDS — Jason W. Tourtillott, 28, entered a no contest plea July 2 in Wood County Circuit Court to an amended charge of first-degree reckless homicide in the July 22, 2021 death of his father, Thomas Tourtillott, who was found unresponsive at his Nekoosa residence. He was initially arrested and charged in January 2025 with first-degree intentional homicide.
Prosecutors amended the original intentional-homicide charge as part of a plea agreement filed by Wood County District Attorney Jonathan Barnett; Wood County Circuit Court Judge Nicholas Brazeau Jr. ordered a presentence investigation. Sentencing is scheduled for fall, with WIFC and WAOW reporting Sept. 5 and the Daily Tribune reporting Oct. 5; the amended Class B felony carries a maximum 40-year term plus up to 20 years extended supervision.
More context
Timeline
- 1. July 22, 2021: Thomas Tourtillott found unresponsive at his Nekoosa home; police report suggests foul play.
- 2. July 2021–January 2025: Investigation period during which Jason Tourtillott was identified as a suspect.
- 3. January 2025: Jason Tourtillott arrested and charged with first-degree intentional homicide.
- 4. July 2, 2025: Tourtillott entered a no-contest plea to amended first-degree reckless homicide in Wood County Circuit Court.
- 5. Fall 2025: Presentence investigation ordered; sentencing scheduled with differing reported dates (Sept. 5 and Oct. 5).
Why it matters
This case highlights the importance of community vigilance. It took years to identify and charge the suspect. Keep your eyes open and report suspicious activity. It could help solve a case sooner.
Sources
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
