Owen Backus sits in a Brown County courtroom June 9, 2025, after his sentencing for the murder of Michael Hubbard. PC: Fox 11 Online
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Owen Backus was sentenced Monday to 24 years in prison for the murder of Michael Hubbard at a west-side home in December 2023.
Backus, 46, was previously convicted of second-degree intentional homicide. That finding — a lesser offense than first-degree intentional homicide — means the jury found a mitigating factor for provocation; Backus argued the death was in self-defense.
He was also placed on extended supervision for ten years by Judge Marc Hammer.
Before the sentence was issued, Hubbard’s mother, Kristen Cornelius, described the impact her son’s death has had on her and her family.
“A parent never gets over losing their child, especially in the manner I lost mine. The defendant shouldn’t be given leniency in his sentence, because he didn’t show my son any. I respectfully request he be given the max amount permitted by law,” Cornelius said.
Backus apologized for Hubbard’s death and asked for forgiveness.
“I am truly sorry for Michael’s death. And I want to take full responsibility for that at this time. I have felt an enormous amount of pain, every single day, from this action that I had that resulted in Michael’s death. I am truly sorry to their entire family, especially for his small children,” Backus said.
District Attorney David Lasee asked for a 35-year prison sentence. Defense attorney Lee Schuchart noted the jury did not find Backus guilty of intentional homicide, and asked for a seven-year prison term.
According to the criminal complaint, Backus returned to his Western Avenue home and found Hubbard in the residence. Backus and Hubbard argued about Hubbard rearranging the house, taking things off the walls, and painting. Backus took a shower, and while there, he was attacked by Hubbard with a wrench, and the two began to fight. Hubbard was hit in the head with a glass pitcher, hog-tied, then choked with a cable.
“Backus indicated his actions were in self-defense, he did not want to kill anyone, and he was protecting his home,” the complaint states.
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