MILWAUKEE, WI – Authorities arrested a 39-year-old Milwaukee man last week after police say he fatally stabbed a woman with whom he shared an apartment, following a heated argument when she tried to leave.

According to investigators, officers responded to a call late Thursday at the east side apartment of Mile Dukic and 44-year-old Amanda Varisco. Officers said they were let in by Dukic himself, finding Varisco on the floor, unresponsive. Officers attempted to revive her, but she was declared dead at the scene.

A criminal complaint states that prior to police arrival, Varisco’s daughter and her boyfriend tried to get into the apartment after the daughter received disturbing text messages from Dukic, allegedly confessing to the killing. The texts described an argument where Dukic claimed Varisco was being disrespectful and was speaking to another man on the phone.

Police documents indicate that Dukic told Varisco’s daughter he believed her mother was dead and refused to let them inside when they arrived at the apartment. The couple called 911 before attempting to gain entry.

During a police interview, Dukic reportedly described the confrontation, stating that his relationship with Varisco was not romantic but occasionally sexual. He claimed that when Varisco tried to leave to see another man, the argument escalated. Dukic told police he struck Varisco several times, rendering her unconscious, then allegedly stabbed her repeatedly in the chest and abdomen.

The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s report revealed Varisco suffered 22 stab wounds to her upper body, along with defensive injuries to her hands and arms, suggesting she tried to shield herself during the attack.

Court records show Dukic was already out on bail for previous felony charges, including an allegation of stalking. His bail terms required that he refrain from further criminal conduct, but those cases remain unresolved.

Prosecutors charged Dukic with first-degree intentional homicide and two counts of bail jumping. As of Tuesday, he was being held in the Milwaukee County Jail, where he awaits his next court appearance related to both the killing and the earlier cases, scheduled for March 10.

Family members have described Varisco as a devoted mother of four and grandmother of five. Loved ones have established a fundraising page to help with her funeral costs.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to gather evidence and await further proceedings in the case.