FOND DU LAC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) –A third suspect was convicted Tuesday in a fatal fentanyl overdose in April 2023 in which the victim was found dead, lying on a Ripon sidewalk.
Michael R. Manske, 23, pleaded guilty to four counts: first degree reckless homicide, maintaining a drug trafficking place, possession of THC and possession of drug paraphernalia. Sentencing is scheduled for January 21.
According to the criminal complaint, Manske “did cause the death of VICTIM 1, by the delivery or manufacture of a Schedule I or II controlled substance, fentanyl, which VICTIM 1 used, dying as a result of that use.”
Officials say the 18-year-old victim and other teens went to a home on Scott Street in Ripon and used narcotics. While there, the victim began to experience overdose symptoms and became unresponsive. The people in the home took him outside, placed him on the sidewalk and ran away.
His body was found the next morning. The medical examiner listed bromazolam and fentanyl toxicity as the cause of death, according to the complaint.
The victim’s name has not been released.
Four others are charged in the case:
- Maison Springston plead guilty last month and has a status conference October 10.
- Donavyn Mueller is scheduled for a jury trial beginning November 4.
- Oliva Nordvold is scheduled for a plea hearing November 11.
- Joseph Schmidt-Rehbein plead guilty last week and has a sentencing hearing December 20.
