Person of interest identified and arrested in homicide investigation, also arrested previous night

A welfare check that led to a homicide investigation has led to an arrest. Thursday morning at approximately 11:20, the Ridgeway Marshal’s Office and an Iowa County Deputy were dispatched to a home on Collins Street in the Village of Ridgeway to conduct a welfare check.

Upon arrival, responding officers located Todd Nechkash Sr., 62 of Ridgeway. deceased inside the home. The death was ruled a homicide, and Kelli R. Nechkash, 67 of Black Earth, a person of interest was taken into custody. As part of the investigation, it was determined that Kelli had prior contact with law enforcement the evening before Todd was located deceased.

On Wednesday night, shortly after 11:00p, Kelli Nechkash was arrested in the Town of Mineral Point following a motor vehicle crash and taken into custody for Operating While Intoxicated – 6th Offense. Those charges are being referred to the Iowa County District Attorney’s Office.

As the homicide investigation progressed and evidence was gathered, investigators identified Kelli as a suspect in the death of Todd Nechkash. She is currently in custody at the Iowa County Jail. Todd and Kelli Nechkash are married but maintained separate residences. Formal homicide-related charges are forthcoming in cooperation with the Iowa County District Attorney’s Office.

The investigation remains very active and ongoing. If anyone observed anything suspicious during the late afternoon or evening hours on February 11, particularly in the area of Collins Street in the Village of Ridgeway, you are encouraged to contact Iowa County Crime Stoppers at 608-319-6703 or submit a tip through the Iowa County Sheriff’s Office app.

Residents and business owners in the Village of Ridgeway who have camera systems are encouraged to register their cameras under the Crime Prevention tab on the Sheriff’s Office app.

---