Heartbroken Mother Speaks Out After Estranged Husband Takes His Life and Their Two Daughters' Lives Following Divorce Finalization

A HEARTBROKEN mom has claimed the “system failed” her daughters after her estranged husband allegedly killed the two girls before taking his own life just hours after their divorce was finalized.

The grieving mother said she was “legally forced” to send the sisters to their dad despite repeated fears for their safety, claiming officials ignored their “cries for help” for two years.

A Wisconsin mom claims the ‘system failed’ her daughters after their tragic deaths Credit: Facebook Lindsay’s daughters Jaelyn, 16, and Lenora, 11, found dead on July 31 alongside their father Jeffrey Manke, 57Credit: Refer to Source The three were found dead inside a home in Winneconne, Wisconsin, after officers carried out a welfare check Credit: NBC 26

Jeffrey Manke, 57, and his daughters Jaelyn, 16, and Lenora, 11, were found dead inside a home in Winneconne, Wisconsin, on July 31 after officers carried out a welfare check.

Police responded to the property at around 7pm in response to reports of a medical incident and welfare concern, according to a joint statement from the Winneconne Police Department and the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities said the deaths appeared to be an “isolated incident” and added there was “no danger or threat to the public”.

Investigators have not released the causes of death and said the investigation remains ongoing.

Court records cited by local outlets WLUK and the Oshkosh Northwestern reportedly show Manke and Lindsay Lewandowski finalized their divorce just hours before the three were found dead.

The couple had shared legal custody of their daughters following Lewandowski’s divorce filing in 2024, according to the Oshkosh Northwestern, citing court documents.

In an emotional Facebook post after the tragedy, Lewandowski alleged she had repeatedly warned that her daughters were not safe in their father’s care.

“I was legally forced to send them when they felt unsafe,” she wrote.

“Nobody wanted to listen. If someone listened to their cries for help for the last 2 years, they would still be here. The system failed my babies.”

As loved ones mourn the sisters, a GiveSendGo fundraiser set up to help pay for their memorial expenses has raised more than $20,000 as of Thursday.

The fundraiser described Jaelyn and Lenora as “the kindest and sweetest kids.”

“Their love for God and family was seen by all and will leave a lasting impression on everyone who knew them,” the page says.

Anyone with information about the case has been urged to contact the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office as detectives continue investigating the deaths.