WAUTOMA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Due to the suspect’s mental condition, charges were dismissed Friday against the man who allegedly drove around a school bus, killing a girl waiting to get on the bus.
Maryana Kranz, 6, was killed outside her Plainfield home Feb. 10, 2020, while waiting for the bus. A pickup truck, allegedly driven by Carl Mullenix, drove on the right side of the bus, hitting Maryana and her sister.
Mullenix, 77, was charged with homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle and reckless driving. His attorney raised a competency issue – meaning he had concerns about Mullenix’s ability to understand the proceedings and assist in his own defense.
After testimony Friday by a psychiatrist, Judge Guy Dutcher ruled “the defendant is not competent to proceed and not likely to regain competency. The Court enters an order of dismissal based on the findings,” court records state.
The Waushara County Sheriff’s Dept. had also issued four traffic citations against Mullenix for unsafe passing on the right, inattentive driving, failure to stop for an unloading school bus, and improper passing of a stopped bus. Those were also dismissed, according to the Clerk of Courts office.
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