NEKOOSA, Wis. (TCN) — A 26-year-old man stands accused of beating his father to death several years ago and telling police that the victim fell and spilled chili on the wall.
According to the Nekoosa Police Department, on July 22, 2021, an officer responded to a report of an unresponsive male, later identified as 58-year-old Thomas Tourtillott. First responders attempted lifesaving measures, but the victim was pronounced deceased.
A criminal complaint reviewed by the Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune says the officer made contact with the victim’s son, Jason Tourtillott, at the scene. He reportedly pointed to the wall, which had a red mark on it that he claimed was chili.
As first responders performed CPR on the victim, a detective allegedly noticed trauma to Thomas Tourtillott’s head, face, and neck, as well as lacerations above his eyes and early signs of bruising. According to the Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune, EMTs also observed injuries on the victim, including a swollen eye, bruising and bleeding on the back of the head, and blood on his hands, and a rug burn on his arm.
Jason Tourtillott initially told authorities he was asleep in the living room and awoke to his father on the floor, thinking he was drunk. Jason Tourtillott allegedly said he went to check on Thomas Tourtillott and performed CPR on him. A detective purportedly saw blood on Jason Tourtillott’s shoulder, arm, hands, neck, and face, which he said was from performing CPR. However, the detective reportedly said in the complaint that Jason Tourtillott would have been physically exhausted and sweating after performing CPR for 30 minutes like he said he did. The victim also didn’t have any broken ribs or marks consistent with CPR.
Jason Tourtillott’s sister reportedly arrived at the home while officers were there and said her brother had called her several times before she left. He also sent a text message, but the sister allegedly said she believed her brother had been drinking, so she didn’t respond.
On July 22, 2021, police interviewed Jason Tourtillott, and he said again that he was sleeping and discovered his father on the floor, the Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune reports. He reportedly said his dad would often fall when he consumed alcohol, which could have caused the injury to his head. According to the complaint, police asked Tourtillott about the scratches to his arms and legs, and he claimed they were caused by a cat.
When asked about his phone activity during the time he said he was sleeping, Tourtillott reportedly claimed he was using his phone “here and there.” Tourtillott allegedly said he made chili for lunch, but his father walked toward the couch, fell, and spilled the chili.
According to the criminal complaint, police interviewed Tourtillott’s sister on Jan. 10, 2022. She reportedly said her brother had been caring for her son on the day of the victim’s death, and she arrived at around 6:30 p.m. The sister allegedly saw Thomas Tourtillott on the floor, which she claimed was unusual. She also reportedly noticed the chili on the wall but didn’t notice the victim’s injuries and believed he was breathing. The sister allegedly told authorities Tourtillott and his father had been yelling at each other, and her brother seemed angry.
According to the Wisconsin Rapids Tribune, Tourtillot’s nephew told a detective he also heard Tourtillott and his father arguing, as well as slapping noises.
The deputy coroner later determined the victim died of blunt force trauma injuries to his head with bilateral rib fractures and contusions to his head, torso, and extremities. The injuries were not consistent with a fall, and investigators reportedly believe he was struck with something due to the bruising on his face. The victim also sustained possible defensive wounds to his forearm and elbow.
Police arrested Tourtillott on Jan. 28 on a charge of first-degree murder. He remains held in the Wood County Jail on $1 million bond.