Man Charged in Connection with Overdose Death Enters Plea in Marathon County Court

Friday, December 6th, 2024 -- 10:01 AM

(Mike Leischner, WSAU) One of the suspects charged in connection with an overdose death in a sober living facility entered a plea in Marathon County Court.

According to Mike Leischner with WSAU, Shwan Rhyner and Brianne Rhyner are said to have transported the drugs to the victim, who was found dead from an overdose in his sober living apartment in Wausau.

One of the victim’s neighbors, identified as Ledell Kirkwood, is said to have arranged the purchase and delivery. Brianne Rhyner faces charges of reckless homicide by delivery of drugs and manufacturing or delivering heroin.

During his court appearance on Wednesday, Kirkwood was found guilty of, due to a no contest plea, 1st-degree reckless homicide. Several other charges were dismissed and read in. He’s scheduled for sentencing on February 12th.

Shawn Rhyner will serve five years in prison after pleading no contest to one count of manufacturing or delivering heroin and possessing a short-barrel rifle or shotgun.

After his prison time, he will also spend five years on extended supervision. Brianne Rhyner is scheduled for a jury trial in May.

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