A double murder rocked the small community of Poth early Sunday morning. And disbelief set in for Christi Landa and her mother, who say the young couple was full of life and had been living at their home on Carroll Street less than a year, just across the street from their home.
Landa’s mother did not want to go on camera, but said she was in her living room around 12:30 a.m. when she heard John Waclawczyk come home and slam the door shut. She said shortly after, an argument broke out and she heard chilling screams.
“It was horrific and she said it was the worst scream she had ever heard in her life,” Landa said, recounting her mother’s account. "She will never forget the fear that she heard in her scream."
Landa’s mother said gunshots followed the screams and then everything went silent. She said the terror unfolded in minutes and she quickly called 911.
When police arrived, they found Justine Waclawczyk and Andrew Toscano dead inside the home.
“My mom said that she was very, very sweet...she was full of life,” Landa said. “She said that John was very polite, he was full of respect.”
Her mom said Toscano spent less than three days at the couple's home and described him as a kind young man.
Police say it’s too early to release a motive behind the double murder, but Landa’s family said the couple's disputes may hold the answer.
“When they fought, it was like TNT. It was bad,” Landa said. “You could hear them inside the house all the way across the street to my house. “
Landa said John's family arrived just 45 minutes after the shooting and were heartbroken and confused why their son pulled the trigger.
“Two babies died and one completely lost his life, so I mean my thoughts and prayers are with all three families,” Landa said.
John Waclawczyk is charged with capital murder and being held at Wilson County Jail.
Justine’s mother said she will do everything in her power to make sure John takes his last breath behind bars.