A Wisconsin woman was arrested on a homicide charge after authorities said they found a 14-year-old girl dead inside of a home during a welfare check.
First responders discovered the teen had been killed while visiting a residence in the Town of Turtle the morning of Friday, March 20, the Rock County Sheriff’s Office said in a Monday, March 23, news release.
The girl’s aunt, Megan Oninski, identified the teen as Kuren Rein in a statement shared with WMTV.
Tyiece L. Oninski is charged with first-degree intentional homicide in connection with her death, the sheriff’s office said.
Authorities did not specify the nature of the relationship between Tyiece, 41, and Rein.
“Kuren was kind, intelligent, and maintained such contagious optimism, even in the darkest of times,” Megan said in her statement to WMTV. “This tragedy is the devastating ending to a years-long battle amongst family members and the overworked system put in place to protect our children.”
Rein was a freshman student who attended Beloit Memorial High School, WKOW reported.
In a statement shared with students, the school’s principal, Emily Pelz, wrote that “Kuren will be deeply missed, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends,” according to the TV station.
“This tragedy will affect our school community, and this loss will understandably bring a range of emotions, questions, and concerns,” Pelz added.
A GoFundMe has been created to support Kuren’s family with her funeral expenses.
“Our hearts are shattered as we share the unimaginable loss of a beautiful 14-year-old life taken far too soon,” reads the GoFundMe page created by Meredith Jacobson. “This tragedy has left a family, friends, and an entire community grieving in ways words cannot fully express.”
Authorities have not specified how Rein died.
Following Tyiece’s arrest, she was taken to a hospital for treatment, the Rock County District Attorney’s Office told WKOW.
It was not immediately clear whether Tyiece had retained legal representation as of Tuesday, March 24.
One of Rein’s neighbors, Karen Miller, told the TV station that “Kuren was a wonderful young lady,” and added that she “was just a wonderful, beautiful soul.”
In her statement to WMTV, Rein’s aunt said that “Our hope, coming out of this terrible event for so many, is that it is an unforgettable reminder to stay fighting for change in our society, to keep love and faith alive, and to keep joy in the connections made throughout life.”
“She will be missed by so many,” Megan added of Rein.
The Rock County Sheriff’s Office said that more information will be released on the homicide “at a later date.”
