Authorities have identified Bryce W. Winnecke, 33, as the suspect in a shocking homicide in Jeffersonville, Indiana, which resulted in the decapitation of a family member. Winnecke, a resident of 3012 Callaway Drive, was taken into custody Friday after an hours-long SWAT standoff.

The incident began just before 10 a.m., when Jeffersonville Police Department (JPD) officers responded to a home in the 1700 block of Summerlin Place following reports of an unresponsive man. Officers discovered the decapitated body of the victim, later identified as Erich Von Winnecke Jr., the suspect’s father. Detective Sam Moss confirmed that the injuries were consistent with a decapitation and immediately classified the case as a homicide.

Within 20 minutes, investigators located Bryce Winnecke outside a home in the 3000 block of Callaway Drive, armed with a butcher knife and carrying a human head in a transparent sack. The suspect retreated into his mother’s residence, prompting a SWAT response. Negotiators worked for nearly four hours before Winnecke surrendered without incident.

“This is an isolated incident,” Detective Moss stated. “There is no indication of any threat to the wider community. The suspect and victim knew each other.”

During the standoff, Charlestown Pike was closed, and nearby Pike Elementary School and River Valley Middle School were placed on secure hold as a precaution. Nearby Elks Country Club was also temporarily locked down.

JPD Chief Kenny Kavanaugh said search warrants were executed at both locations and confirmed criminal charges are forthcoming. While specific charges have not yet been released, homicide charges are expected. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to gather evidence and assess the full circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.

Authorities ask anyone with information related to the case to contact the Jeffersonville Police Department.