Jay Balchunas was on duty as a Wisconsin Department of Justice undercover agent when he stopped at a gas station on West Villard Avenue in Milwaukee for a cup of coffee shortly after midnight on October 29, 2004. As he walked back to his car, he was confronted by two suspects who announced a robbery and pointed a gun at him. One of the suspects approached Jay and discovered his gun. The other suspect then fired two rounds, striking Jay in the liver.
Jay was transported to Froedtert Lutheran Memorial Hospital where he succumbed to his wounds 7 days later, on November 5, 2004.
The two suspects fled the scene but were apprehended several days after Jay's death. They were both charged with murder. The shooter was found guilty of first degree reckless homicide at trial. The accomplice was convicted of felony murder. Both were sentenced to jail terms.
Jay had served with the Wisconsin Department of Justice for 5 years and had previously served for 9 years with the Milwaukee Police Department. Jay also served as a volunteer and later paid-on-call firefighter lieutenant with the New Berlin Fire Department. He is survived by his fiancée, parents, sister and brother-in-law, brother, and nephews.
Jay's friends are honored and humbled to sponsor a motorcycle ride on his behalf to raise money for a selected charity each year. Please see our registration form for details on this year's ride location and charity.
Jay was transported to Froedtert Lutheran Memorial Hospital where he succumbed to his wounds 7 days later, on November 5, 2004.
The two suspects fled the scene but were apprehended several days after Jay's death. They were both charged with murder. The shooter was found guilty of first degree reckless homicide at trial. The accomplice was convicted of felony murder. Both were sentenced to jail terms.
Jay had served with the Wisconsin Department of Justice for 5 years and had previously served for 9 years with the Milwaukee Police Department. Jay also served as a volunteer and later paid-on-call firefighter lieutenant with the New Berlin Fire Department. He is survived by his fiancée, parents, sister and brother-in-law, brother, and nephews.
Jay's friends are honored and humbled to sponsor a motorcycle ride on his behalf to raise money for a selected charity each year. Please see our registration form for details on this year's ride location and charity.
About Jay
E.O.W. 11-5-2004
