Grandson Bashes PedoGrandfather's Head in With Claw Hammer

On August 15, 2020, police in Kenosha, WI, responded to a 911 call at the home of 70-year-old Charles Luitze. Upon arrival, officers found blood spattered on the walls and Luitze deceased in his bed with the claw end of the same hammer used to smash in his face still sticking in his cheek. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Sexual Assault Conviction

In 1991, Charles was convicted of sexually assaulting a minor family member. The prison sentence happened after repeated crimes of a sexual nature against children. He served 14 years in prison before being granted parole, despite his refusal to undergo treatment, claiming God had saved him from further criminal behavior. 

Family, friends, and neighbors welcomed the born-again Christian back into the community after his 2004 prison release. They believed God had cured him of his pedophilic ways and that he would never hurt another child again.

A Strange Visit From a Census Worker

Over the years, he developed many friendships with his neighbors. It was, in fact, one of those neighbors who made the 911 call requesting a welfare check after being unable to reach him for two days. The neighbor told the 911 dispatcher that he had last seen Charles on November 13, walking from his home with a Census worker.

The 911 caller stated that he spoke to Charles after the visit, and he found it odd that the Census worker did not carry any identification.

Charles didn't recognize the worker as his adult grandson, Bryan Luitze II, 25. Born three years after his grandfather went to prison, he was a small child the last time he saw the man.  

Earlier that day, Bryan had spoken to a family member about his grandfather's crimes, asking them how they could forgive a child molester, especially one in the family. The relative explained that Charles had served his time and had healed with God's help. 

Bryan did not feel the same about any child molester, especially a close relative.   He  told the person that he wanted to “take him out” because he would “hurt people again.”   His relative told him to let it go; it wasn't worth it. He told them Charles could not be cured and would “do it again.” The same night, he asked his mom for the house keys, explaining that he would be home late.

Arrest, Conviction, & Sentencing

Investigators spoke to Bryan at his home, finding a bloodstained backpack that later matched his grandfather’s DNA. In November 2020, police arrested him on charges of first-degree murder, robbery, armed burglary, and robbery with use of force. He confessed to killing his grandfather, telling investigators how much he despised child molesters.

He pleaded guilty to murder and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole by Kenosha County Circuit Judge Bruce Shroeder. He is serving his sentence at Green Bay Correctional Institution in Racine.

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