Austin Laakonen (Oconto Co. Jail)
OCONTO, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Austin Laakonen was sentenced Monday to 20 months in prison for the traffic crash which killed his girlfriend, Aubrey Williams.
Laakonen, 22, was also placed on extended supervision for three years by Judge Michael Judge, on the conviction of homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle for the June 30, 2023 crash.
Before the sentence was issued, Laakonen apologized. He says he is now sober, and working to be a better person.
“I’m sorry to all her family and her friends that will not get to be in her presence again, watch her grow and thrive in the amazing life she was building. She was an amazing, bright and happy person that left an impression on everyone she came across, including myself. It burns me to know the people that she loved are now in agony without her. I loved Aubrey, and I mourn the loss of her everyday, as well,” Laakonen said.
Laakonen’s parents, Nicole Pagel and Chris Froehlich, spoke at the hearing and described the pain of losing Williams.
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. However, the homicide by vehicle while using a controlled substance count was dismissed as part of the plea deal.
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.
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