Man Involved in Overdose Death Sentenced in Marathon County Court

Tuesday, March 18th, 2025 -- 1:00 PM

(Mike Leischner, WSAU) One of the individuals connected with an overdose death in a sober living facility was sentenced in Marathon County Court on Monday.

According to Mike Leischner with WSAU, court records show 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.

Numerous other counts were dismissed but read into the record including reckless homicide by delivering drugs, possession of THC, and maintaining a drug trafficking place. After his prison time, he will also spend five years on extended supervision.

Conditions of that include maintaining full-time employment or community service, no contact with the victim’s family, and absolute sobriety from drugs and alcohol. The 36-year-old also pleaded no contest to a count of bail jumping.

Numerous other counts were dismissed but read in as well. Shawn 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 in February of 2023.

One of the victim’s neighbors, identified as Ledell Kirkwood, is said to have arranged the purchase and delivery. Back in December of last year, Kirkwood was found guilty of, due to a no contest plea, reckless homicide-deliver drugs.

He also pleaded guilty to two counts of battery and disorderly conduct. During his court appearance on Monday, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison and 10 years of extended supervision.

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