Racine man ruled incompetent for trial in sister’s death (UPDATE)

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EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (AP) — The criminal case for the Racine man accused of killing his sister has been suspended indefinitely after an Eau Claire County judge ruled him incompetent and unable to understand the court proceedings or assist with his defense.

James J. Bonczkowski, 74, is charged with a felony count of first-degree intentional homicide for the beating, strangulation and stabbing death of his sister, Alexandra “Sandy” Marifke, 75, the Leader-Telegram reported.

Judge William Gabler also ruled Thursday that Bonczkowski isn’t likely to ever become competent, basing his decisions on recent competency evaluations by Brian Stress, an Eau Claire psychologist, and Ana Garcia, a psychologist at Mendota Mental Health Institute in Madison. Stress and Garcia determined Bonczkowski has vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

On Oct. 1, two men found Marifke’s body inside her home, where Bonczkowski was staying for the weekend, while his wife was at a retreat. Marifke’s dead dog was also found inside the residence later by deputies.

Bonczkowski, who already had been diagnosed with dementia and was taking medication, was found wandering near the home, with his hands cut and covered in blood.

Bonczkowski gave different inconsistent responses during several interviews with authorities.

Bonczkowski’s case is in the process of being transferred to Racine County, where he lives. The case is a Chapter 51, which provides legal procedures for voluntary and involuntary admission, treatment and rehabilitation of individuals afflicted with mental illness, developmental disability, drug dependency or alcoholism.