OCONTO, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Austin Laakonen was convicted Tuesday in connection with a fatal traffic crash.
Laakonen, 22, was originally charged with homicide by vehicle with use of a controlled substance, homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle, and possession of THC for the June 30, 2023, crash which killed his girlfriend, Aubrey Williams, 19.
In court Tuesday, he pleaded no contest to homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle. The other two counts were dismissed. Sentencing is May 12, court records show
The crash happened on I-41, south of County Highway W in the Town of Little River, just after 7 p.m. Authorities say the motorcycle was traveling north on I-41 when the motorcycle made contact with an SUV just as the motorcycle was changing lanes.
A blood test showed no alcohol in Laakonen’s system, but he tested positive for THC, the active ingredient in marijuana. Unlike alcohol, for which state law has permitted levels, Wisconsin has a zero-tolerance for cannabis. Any detected amount can result in criminal charges.
Also, Laakonen did not have a license to have a passenger, the complaint states. A citation was issued for that.
Although the crash happened in June, 2023, the lab results weren’t returned to investigators until the following January. The charges were filed Feb. 21, 2024.
