Police in America have arrested a man who walked in on his girlfriend as she had sex with another woman and stabbed them both to death.
Richard Wendell Sotka, 48, was seized in Mississippi County, Arkansas, 10 hours after the brutal double slaying in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on 29th January. He had fled after stabbing 58-year-old Rhonda Cegelski – reported by local media to be his girlfriend – and Paula O’Connor, 53, after walking in on them having sex.
Sotka’s current bail is set at $2 million, where he is facing first-degree intentional homicide, two counts of felony bail jumping, two counts of misdemeanor bail jumping, and one count of criminal damage property, according to Law & Crime.
First responders could only pronounce the women – who worked together at a hair salon – dead. It transpired that Sotka carried out the killings while on bail on charges of stalking and harassment and violating a restraining order.
He had removed his electronic ankle tag and dumped it on Interstate Highway 41, local media reported. Bizarrely, following his arrest, he admitted to killing the women but vehemently denied the lesser accusations of stalking, according to police.
Victim Rhonda leaves behind four children and a grandchild. Green Bay Police Department said in a statement obtained by Newsflash: “Richard Sotka, II, 48, Green Bay, is in custody as a suspect and facing charges, which include First-Degree Intentional Homicide.”
He was extradited back to Green Bay where he currently at a Brown County jail.
“I’m guilty of killing these girls, but I’m not guilty of what they said I did in Oconto County.” said Sotka where was arrested violating a restraining in a different crime, according to the Green Bay Press Gazette.
Sotka said that he fled knowing that he had a little bit of freedom left before he was caught, according to SeeHafter News.
On an online fundraising page, Haley Defnet and Jordan Comyne wrote: “On January 29th Rhonda Cegelski and her best friend, Paula O’Connor, were taken from this world too soon.”
Rhonda is leaving behind her 4 Children (Jordan, Paige, Cory and Sydney), Granddaughter (Julianna), her Mother (Bev), and many friends, extended family, and colleagues.”
Rhonda would light up any room with her smile and vibrant personality. She had a heart of gold and would always be there when others needed it. “Rhonda was a hairstylist at Sei Bella Salon in Green Bay, where she had many devoted clients that felt more like friends, and some even family.”
This is also where her best friend, Paula, worked. They spent so much time together and were constantly laughing. Rhonda and Paula were the life of the party; and always dancing!”
Rhonda especially enjoyed gardening and cooking for others. Everyone always said how she was the BEST cook.” Her friends (and clients) could always count on her to provide the best recipes, Netflix recommendations, and savings/coupon deals.”
On her free time, Rhonda enjoyed spending time with her shar pei (Venus), and two cats (Cooper and Baby). “But most of all she cherished every moment with her children and granddaughter. She was so very proud of each of them!”
Her family and close friends are absolutely heartbroken by this devastating and unexpected tragedy. “We want to help out this amazing family with their funeral expenses while they are trying to navigate through this unimaginable loss.”
Please consider helping out the family of Rhonda Cegelski with any donation that you can to show support during their time of distress. Every little bit is truly appreciated. “Rest in peace our beautiful Angel.” At the time of writing, it had raised USD 17,080 of its goal of USD 30,000.
Produced in association with Magazine Features (South Africa).
