JANESVILLE, WI — Authorities Identify Three Victims in Tragic Murder-Suicide at Aspen Square Apartments
The city of Janesville is reeling in the wake of a devastating murder-suicide that claimed three lives at an apartment complex on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. The Rock County Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the victims as Julia Cvicker, 25; Jahvarius Wicks, 21; and Scott Roberts, 55. All three were pronounced dead at the scene at Aspen Square Apartments, located in the 2600 block of North Pontiac Drive.
According to Janesville police, the initial call to dispatch was regarding a “family problem” at the complex. But the situation escalated quickly, with follow-up reports indicating that shots had been fired. By the time law enforcement arrived at the scene, all three victims were already deceased.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the quiet Janesville community, leaving families broken, neighbors horrified, and a city in mourning.
The Victims: Lives Lost Too Soon
Julia Cvicker, 25
Julia was a vibrant and intelligent young woman known for her compassion and creativity. Friends describe her as a “light in every room” — someone who made others feel seen and valued. A graduate of a local high school and recently working in the healthcare field, Julia had dreams of becoming a nurse. She loved painting, volunteering, and spending time with her family and close-knit circle of friends.
“She was just beginning her life,” said one friend. “To know that she won’t get the chance to grow into everything she was meant to be — it’s heartbreaking.”
Jahvarius Wicks, 21
Jahvarius, affectionately known as “Jay” by his friends, was a talented musician and aspiring entrepreneur. Described as “gentle, thoughtful, and full of promise,” he had recently begun recording music with hopes of one day opening his own studio. His family shared that he was also a loyal brother and a proud uncle, known for mentoring younger kids in his neighborhood and encouraging them to stay focused on their goals.
“He had a future ahead of him — full of vision, full of dreams,” said his cousin. “He was just 21.”
Scott Roberts, 55
Scott Roberts, the oldest of the three victims, was a longtime resident of Janesville who worked in maintenance and was known to many around the apartment complex. While details about his connection to the other victims are still emerging, neighbors recalled him as respectful and quiet, always willing to help with small tasks or lend a hand when asked.
A Grim Scene and a Community Shaken
Police responded to the apartment complex shortly after receiving a call reporting a “family problem.” Within minutes, that call escalated to reports of gunfire. Responding officers entered the residence and discovered the lifeless bodies of Julia, Jahvarius, and Scott. Investigators have since confirmed that the incident was a murder-suicide, though the identity of the shooter has not been officially released to the public as of Thursday.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the exact relationships between the victims or the potential motive behind the tragic act. However, early findings indicate that the situation may have involved domestic or interpersonal conflict that turned violent.
Detectives with the Janesville Police Department are continuing their investigation, combing through digital evidence, interviewing witnesses, and awaiting final forensic reports from the medical examiner’s office.
Community in Mourning
In the aftermath of the tragedy, neighbors gathered outside the Aspen Square Apartments to leave flowers, candles, and handwritten notes for the victims. The silence that once filled the tree-lined street has now been replaced with whispers of grief and disbelief.
“This doesn’t happen here,” said one neighbor. “You never expect something like this so close to home.”
Local leaders, including Janesville Mayor David Smedley, issued statements expressing deep sorrow and extending condolences to the families. “Our hearts go out to the loved ones of Julia, Jahvarius, and Scott,” he said. “This is a heartbreaking reminder of the real impact of violence and the urgent need to support mental health and crisis intervention efforts in our communities.”
Counseling services have been made available to residents of the apartment complex and to friends and classmates of the victims. Several churches in the area have also opened their doors for vigils, prayer sessions, and grief support.
Seeking Understanding and Change
As the investigation continues, questions loom over how such a tragedy could unfold and what might have been done to prevent it. Advocates are once again calling attention to the importance of accessible mental health care, domestic violence resources, and firearm safety laws to address crises before they turn deadly.
“This isn’t just a private tragedy,” said a local domestic violence counselor. “This is a community crisis — and we all have a role in making sure it doesn’t happen again.”
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help support funeral expenses for the families of Julia and Jahvarius, both of whom were young, working-class individuals whose lives were cut tragically short. Community organizations have pledged to rally around the families in the coming weeks, offering food, transportation, and emotional support.
Remembering Julia, Jahvarius, and Scott
As the Janesville community begins the long road to healing, one thing is certain: Julia Cvicker, Jahvarius Wicks, and Scott Roberts were more than just names in a headline. They were sons and daughters, friends and neighbors, dreamers and doers — each with stories still unfolding, now silenced by a devastating act of violence.
Their memories will be carried forward in the lives they touched, the love they shared, and in the collective resolve of a community determined to honor them with compassion, justice, and action.
May they rest in peace.
