Wisconsin Rapids Teen Pleads Not Guilty in Crash That Killed Kasey Ramthun
WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI — An 18-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from a December crash in Auburndale that killed a teenage passenger.
Charges Filed Against Trenton Lawry
On September 22, Wood County Circuit Judge Emily Nolan-Plutchak entered not guilty pleas on behalf of Trenton D. Lawry, 18, after he stood mute during his arraignment.
Lawry faces charges of:
- Homicide by negligent operation of a motor vehicle in the death of 17-year-old Kasey Ramthun of Vesper
- Reckless driving causing great bodily harm
- Injury by negligent use of a weapon
Details of the Fatal Crash
According to the criminal complaint, the crash happened at 5:40 p.m. on December 13 at the intersection of U.S. 10 and Wood County Highway P in Auburndale.
Lawry was driving a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu with Ramthun as a passenger when he allegedly ran a stop sign and collided with a 2017 Toyota Highlander.
- Ramthun was found unconscious and bleeding at the scene. Paramedics attempted life-saving measures but she was pronounced dead at 5:45 p.m.
- Lawry was trapped inside the vehicle and later taken to the hospital.
- The driver of the Highlander sustained head and hand injuries and was also hospitalized.
Statements and Witness Accounts
According to deputies, Lawry admitted fault at the scene:
“This is my fault, I’m sorry. I couldn’t see the stop sign and ran it on accident,” Lawry reportedly told investigators.
A witness told police the Malibu appeared to “roll the stop sign” at State 186 and U.S. 10 before accelerating into the intersection without stopping for a second sign, leading to the Highlander striking the Malibu on the passenger’s side.
The witness estimated the Highlander was traveling about 70 mph at the time.
Court Proceedings
Lawry’s attorney, Erika Bierma, waived his right to a preliminary hearing, which would have required prosecutors to demonstrate probable cause. Judge Nolan-Plutchak ruled there was sufficient evidence to continue the case.
The proceedings will move forward in Wood County Circuit Court as prosecutors prepare for trial.
The death of Kasey Ramthun has renewed community concerns about safety along U.S. 10, a roadway already under scrutiny for wrong-way driving and fatal collisions.
Stay connected with ChicagoMusicGuide.com for updates on this ongoing case.