Stephan Reetz (Outagamie Co. Jail)
APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Stephan Reetz was sentenced Friday to 18 months in prison for a fatal traffic crash which killed a motorcyclist.
Reetz, 43, previously pleaded no contest to homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle for June, 2023 crash which killed Michael Zurawicz. A charge of homicide by use a vehicle while using a controlled substance was dropped.
He was also placed on extended supervision for five years by Judge Vincent Biskupic. Reetz must also perform community service on Zurawicz’s birthday and the anniversary of his death each year during the supervision term. He also must attend a victim-impact panel discussion annually.
Zurawicz’s fiancé, Prudence Walker, described the impact of his death. She also discussed the need for accountability.
“Many people in this courtroom had to take accountability for their own actions, and I count myself among them. After all, how do we learn? When does it stop? When will people finally slow down and truly look around?” Walker said. “These are not reckless acts, they are senseless and unnecessary.”
Before the sentence was issued, Reetz apologized.
“I know there are no words that can make it better, but I want them to know I am truly sorry, how I am. I have not known peace since that day. I wake in the night with the image of the crash and I live in an emotional prison that no sentence can surpass,” Reetz said.
Prosecutors say Zurawicz, 52, was driving his motorcycle north on Highway E around 10:30 p.m. on June 7, 2023. Reetz, who was headed west on Greiner Road, allegedly did not come to a complete stop at a stop sign before making a left turn. He told police he believed the motorcycle was “way down there” and pulled out. However, the motorcycle hit Reetz’s SUV, killing Zurawicz.
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