Content warning: This article describes self-harm and child murder. Please take care while reading.
In a tragic case out of Rock County, Wisconsin, a mother is behind bars, accused of brutally murdering her own daughter and then attempting to take her own life. When asked why she did it, the woman reportedly said she killed her daughter to protect the teen from Elon Musk.
According to a probable cause affidavit viewed by People, and statements from Rock County law enforcement, Tyiece Oninski, 41, of the Town of Turtle, called the Rock County Sheriff on March 20, 2026, and confessed to killing her daughter the night before. During the roughly 13‑minute call, Oninski reportedly said she had fatally stabbed her daughter, then tried to kill herself.
The teenage victim has been identified as Kuren Rein, a 14‑year‑old who authorities say was found dead inside the family home from multiple stab wounds. A knife and sheath were located near her body.
When a dispatcher asked if Rein needed an ambulance, Oninski allegedly responded, “She’s dead, honey. She needs a hearse.” Oninski then said she needed medical attention for her own self‑inflicted wounds.
According to the criminal complaint, the medical examiner found no defensive wounds on Rein, suggesting she may have been attacked while sleeping or otherwise incapacitated.
The Elon Musk mention
Also during the call, Oninski allegedly explained her motive to law enforcement. According to the criminal complaint, she first said she killed her daughter “to protect her from somebody else, period.” Later in the conversation, she reportedly said she was trying to protect her daughter from Elon Musk. She provided no further details.
Authorities know of no connection between Musk and Oninski’s family, and investigators have found no evidence linking him to Rein’s life or the motive behind the killing.
Oninski had deep cuts to her neck, both wrists, and what appeared to be a stab wound on her cheek when police arrived. Medical personnel transported her to a hospital for treatment. A subsequent toxicology screen allegedly showed benzodiazepines, amphetamines, and THC in her system.
Notably, while in the hospital, Oninski reportedly asked a deputy if her name was in the news yet, and showed disappointment when told it was not.
Oninski has been charged with first‑degree intentional homicide in the death of her daughter. Under Wisconsin law, a first‑degree intentional homicide charge is a Class A felony that can carry a sentence of life in prison if convicted.
She is currently being held in the Rock County Jail on a $1 million cash bond. Her next scheduled court appearance is set for April 14, 2026.
A GoFundMe campaign established on behalf of Rein’s family has drawn local and national attention, with community members seeking to help cover funeral costs and support the teen’s older brother during the family’s grief. Rein was an honors student at Beloit Memorial High School. The school district has since provided grief counseling for her classmates
Published: Apr 1, 2026 02:48 pm