MERRILL, WI (WSAU-WAOW) An elderly driver woman accused of killing a Lincoln County highway worker more a year ago pleaded not guilty Tuesday after a judge rejected her no contest plea.
85-year-old Mary L. Robinson of Antigo is charged with homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle in the July 14, 2015, death of 50-year-old highway worker Marcus Wydeven. He was working as a flag man during some maintenance work on state Highway 17 at Barnes Creek Avenue near Merrill.
Robinson is accused of driving at least 51 mph before plowing into Wydeven.
According to criminal complaint, three signs were erected alerting drivers they were approaching a work zone before getting to Wydeven. Eyewitnesses told investigators Robinson “did not appear to slow or brake” as she approached and hit him, the complaint said.
According to online court records, Robinson pleaded no contest to the felony Tuesday but Circuit Judge Robert Russell rejected it because he was “not satisfied that victim rights have been complied with.”
A scheduling conference is scheduled for January 5th.
