KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) — A 27-year-old man from Lawton has been charged with murder, accused of stabbing and killing his ex-girlfriend.
Taylor Dragicevich, 28, of Galesburg was stabbed multiple times Saturday evening at Emerald Park Apartments in Kalamazoo. She died at the hospital. Investigators say her ex-boyfriend, Jeffrey Michael Kucharski, did it.
Court documents revealed a history of domestic violence. Dragicevich filed for a personal protection order against Kucharski in March, shortly after they broke up. She detailed allegations dating back to 2019, writing that he acted suicidal, hit her, threw things at her and sneaked birth control medication into her drinks.
She wrote that he “would often blame (her) for his irrational anger and his only coping mechanism was throwing things, yelling and punching walls and doors.” Dragicevich added that Kucharski knew “his anger was an issue but refused to get counseling or otherwise get help to manage (it).”
The PPO was granted two months before she was killed.
Kucharski was arraigned on a count of open murder Wednesday. He was denied bond.
“Based on the nature of the allegations and the significant way in which it occurred, which involves the way in which the complainant was essentially killed, I do not believe that setting any bond is appropriate,” 8th District Court Judge Kathleen Hemingway said.
If convicted, Kucharski could face up to life in prison. His next court hearing is scheduled for June 1.
For eight years, Dragicevich worked for Lisa Ambrosio at Wenke Greenhouses. The business added security cameras and a buddy system in recent months.
“My understanding is that he did show up here at one time when he was not supposed to,” Ambrosio added.
She said Dragicevich was determined to do more than what was expected of her.
“She had such a passion for learning and wanting to do a good job,” Ambrosio said. “It was exciting to see her want to learn how to grow plants and take in the knowledge when she had the opportunity to learn things.”
Dragicevich worked the last four years alongside Regina Rapier, a fellow survivor of domestic violence with whom she became good friends.
“She left and she planned it out. She did it bravely, and she didn’t go back,” Rapier said.
From her radiant smile to her contagious laughter, she said that Dragicevich’s presence was a constant, especially as she was starting to feel unconditional love from her friends and family.
“In my saddest moments, I can feel her hugs and I can hear her laughing. That’s what I’m going to miss about her,” Rapier added. “I miss those times when I struggled at work, just simply being in her presence was enough to make me feel better. I know a lot of people felt that way.”
Ambrosio said that Dragicevich was a registered organ donor, saying that even in her death, she is still helping others.
