Pewaukee, Wisconsin – Jessy Kurczewski made a chilling 911 call on October 3, 2018, reporting her friend Lynn Hernan unresponsive in her home. Kurczewski, who had been acting as Hernan’s caregiver due to her declining health, had known Hernan since childhood. Questions arose surrounding Kurczewski in the months following Hernan’s death when investigators discovered her criminal record and her turbulent financial relationship with Hernan.
As investigations unfolded, details emerged suggesting foul play. An “anomaly” in Hernan’s toxicology report revealed tetrahydrozoline, a compound found in over-the-counter eye drops, in her system. Kurczewski denied giving Hernan eye drops but later confessed to Hernan’s intention to die by suicide, claiming Hernan regularly ingested Visine mixed with vodka. Kurczewski alleged Hernan had been creating a lethal concoction for months.
Charged with intentional homicide and theft, Kurczewski faced trial in June 2021, accused of poisoning Hernan with eye drops to inherit her assets after financially exploiting her for years. Despite maintaining her innocence and claiming Hernan’s gifts were freely given, Kurczewski’s defense was met with skepticism.
The case against Kurczewski sheds light on the complexity of caregiving relationships, financial exploitation, and the tragic consequences of abuse of trust. With the trial unfolding, the truth behind Hernan’s demise continues to unravel, revealing a web of deceit and betrayal that led to a heinous crime.