Arpin Man Appears in Wood County Court for Causing an Accident that Resulted in the Death of a Junction City Teen

Tuesday, April 8th, 2025 -- 12:00 PM

(Karen Madden, Marshfield News-Herald) A 48-year-old Arpin man pleaded not guilty Monday to causing a September 2023 crash that killed a 17-year-old Junction City girl.

According to Karen Madden with the Marshfield News-Herald, Jason A. Peterson faces a charge of homicide by negligent operation of a motor vehicle for the death of Sophia Smrz.

On Monday, his attorney, Eric Sheets, waived Peterson's right to a preliminary hearing. A preliminary hearing is when prosecutors must show there is enough evidence to prove a crime probably occurred and the defendant probably did it.

Sheets also entered a not guilty plea to the charge for Peterson. According to the criminal complaint, at about 5:44 a.m. Sept. 22, 2023, Smrz was driving a Volkswagen west on Wood County Y when Peterson, who was driving a Ford F-150 north on Shady Road, failed to yield the right of way while making a left turn onto Wood County Y in the town of Auburndale.

Peterson told a deputy he was "pretty sure" he stopped at the stop sign, but he didn't remember, according to the complaint. Smrz, who had a head injury, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Peterson was taken to Marshfield Medical Center with undisclosed injuries. Peterson currently is free on a $25,000 signature bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 15.

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