Waukesha man charged with homicide, drunken driving in crash
Waukesha - Christopher M. Conner, 20, of Waukesha, was charged Friday with homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle stemming from an early morning crash Tuesday that killed passenger Michael Zippel, 23, of Vernon.
According to the criminal complaint, Conner told police at the scene that he had had five beers before driving off Cheri Ave. at Sunset View Drive in Vernon shortly before 2 a.m. Dec. 1. The car traveled down a ditch, became airborne and hit a large tree about 7 feet off the ground before coming to rest 300 feet from the tree, the complaint says.
Zippel, who was in the back seat, was thrown from the car and pronounced dead at the scene from internal injuries. Conner and passenger Lauren Thiesenhusen, 19, of Waukesha, were treated for minor injuries.
Judge J. Mac Davis set cash bail of $250,000 and scheduled a preliminary hearing for Dec. 10.
The felony carries punishment of up to 25 years in prison and up to $100,000 fine, plus loss of driving privileges for five years.
Conner was also charged with two misdemeanors - drunken driving causing injury, in connection with Thiesenhusen's injuries and possession of marijuana, which emergency personnel said they found on him as they transported him to a hospital.
Movies: Opening this week — 'The BFG,' 'Legend of Tarzan,' 'Purge: Election Year'
Semi with 20,000 pounds of cheese stolen in Oak Creek
Daniel Bice: Ron Johnson pursues radio talker’s vaping cause
On Tap Today: Summerfest and more outdoor music
Summerfest 2016: Selena Gomez blossoms at Marcus Amphitheater
Summerfest 2016: Summerfest Reviews: Willie Nelson, Martin Garrix, Kiings and more
28 private schools register for special-needs voucher program
Girl, 3, woman wounded in shooting on Milwaukee's north side
Istanbul airport attackers seized on chaos to cause carnage
Showers and thunderstorms expected in Milwaukee Thursday
Motorcyclist killed in Dane County crash
Jockey taps veteran to 'Show 'Em What's Underneath'
Watchdog Update: Todd Dyer, the ‘bring it on’ felon, indicted for 3rd time
Paul Ryan says he's on the same page with Donald Trump on trade
Southwest Airlines tries to balance strong brand and the need to grow revenues
Exact Sciences executive attends Cancer Moonshot Summit
Time is running out to get free upgrade to Windows 10
Means resigns as leader of Milwaukee turnaround district
Beyond fast food: New franchising ideas draw entrepreneurs
Microsoft CEO Nadella to pen book about changes in his life
Groups to provide $1 million for YMCA’s urban mission
Madison utility company to be added to S&P 500 stock index
Vans, car stolen in burglary at Cedarburg dealership
Fed gives approval to 30 banks to increase dividends, buy back shares
DNR’s report on Kohler golf course spurs concerns
Marcus considers downtown tower that would include cinema
Roy Lukes: Writer, educator Lukes instilled respect for nature
S&P assigns debt ratings to Johnson Controls automotive business
S.C. Johnson CEO testifies before Senate panel on Zika virus
Referendum will be held to decide fate of Forest Park Middle School
Milwaukee police search for man who pointed a gun at man downtown
Indoor sports complex pitched for Jackson
Truck hits, kills 83-year-old woman crossing street in Bay View
Man remains in custody in fatal shooting in Milwaukee
Initial Reaction Podcast: A look ahead to US Open 2017, look back at Champions Tour event in Madison
Jury dismissed after deadlocking in Berit Beck murder trial
Stegman is new president of Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Canadian bank to buy parent company of The PrivateBank
Green Sheet: When RFK slipped into Appleton for McCarthy’s funeral
Meijer says Waukesha store to open on Aug. 2
Summerfest 2016: Follow the action at Summerfest
Summerfest 2016: Milwaukee band Direct Hit! opening for Blink-182 at Marcus Amphitheater
Patti Guerrero: Guerrero battled health challenges by giving to family, co-workers
Man found guilty of vandalizing Wales Elementary School, causing $70,000 of damge
Authorities ID body found in Lake Michigan in Kenosha
Delafield residents call for restrictions on national political campaign spending
Walker's Point strip club loses fight to delay 90-day closure
Wife speaks out after fireworks incident involving war vet
Suspect held as FBI transcribes tapes in Masonic center plot
Village of Mukwonago's sex offender residency ordinance takes effect June 30