Philip Slezewski appears before Manitowoc County court, via Zoom, April 5, 2024. (Manitowoc County court/Zoom)
MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Philip Slezewski was convicted Thursday for the Christmas Day crash which killed his wife and mother. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 30.
Slezewski, 39, pleaded no contest to two counts of homicide by use of vehicle while using a controlled substance, and one count of injury by use of vehicle while using a controlled substance.
At sentencing, prosecutors will recommend 15-to-20 years in prison and 10 years of extended supervision, while the defense will be free to argue for whatever sentence it deems appropriate, District Attorney Jacalyn LaBre said in court Thursday.
The crash happened on I-43 at about 2:45 p.m. Slezewski’s wife, Heather Arcaro-Slezewski, 38, and his mother, Clarine, 71, died in the crash. Slezewski originally faced charges for allegedly not having a valid driver’s license at the time.
Slezewski told police in December he had done cocaine and marijuana less than 24 hours before the crash. After test results came back, additional charges were filed.
Motorists are allowed to have some alcohol in their system — under .08 BAC — and still drive legally. However, in Wisconsin, any detectable amount of illegal drugs can result in homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle and related charges.
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