Waukesha homicide; Kevin Lychwick claims illness, lashes out in court
WAUKESHA, Wis. - A Waukesha homicide defendant wanted to represent himself at trial. But at times on Tuesday, June 9, Kevin Lychwick refused to even speak.
Lychwick trial, testimony on day 2
What they're saying:
Before the jury even entered the courtroom on Tuesday morning, Lychwick lashed out at the judge.
"You denied me my rights!" Lychwick exclaimed.
Kevin Lychwick trial on May 9, 2026
Lychwick's defense turned personal.
"I have a tear in my belly that needs to be repaired," Lychwick told the judge.
Lychwick said he was sick, tired, and overall not prepared to proceed with the trial. He showed up on the second day in his orange jail uniform and in a wheelchair. The judge offered him several options to prepare.
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"We can’t put the trial off today because you don’t feel well," said Judge David Maas.
Ultimately, Lychwick sat in court with his eyes closed, rarely even speaking.
Kevin Lychwick trial on May 9, 2026
State's case
Dig deeper:
Prosecutors said Lychwick shot his neighbor, Carlos Maldanado, in the head, and covered the body in a tarp and twigs near the apartment building.
Another renter, Anthony Lefebvre, who had trail cameras up in the woods, showed the jury video he recorded. Lychwick is seen walking from the building to the crime scene in May 2024. Maldonado's body was not found until October.
A detective also testified about rope tied to a folding chair inside Lychwick's apartment.
Detective's testimony
What they're saying:
"What, if anything, is the significance of those two pieces of rope you just displayed for the jury?" asked prosecutor Daniel Tombasco.
"It’s my understanding that the rope on the chair was consistent with rope found on the decedent," replied Tyler Bauer, Waukesha police detective.
A hit list was found in Lychwick's room dubbed, "Operation Slop Shop." Police said Maldonado's name was on it, and updated after he was killed.
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"Regarding whether the threats of Operation Slop Shop had been neutralized," Tombasco inquired.
"I was made aware there was reference to that, yes," Bauer answered.
What's next:
Prosecutors say they are now ahead of schedule, and could wrap their case on Wednesday.
Kevin Lychwick trial on May 9, 2026
It is unclear if Lychwick will call any witnesses.
Complete coverage
Dig deeper:
FOX6 News is streaming the entire trial each day on FOX LOCAL. The app is free to download on your phone, tablet or smart TV.
The Source: Information in this post was provided by Wisconsin Circuit Court Access, the criminal complaint associated with this case, and previous FOX6 News coverage.