BURNETT COUNTY -- The Court has sentenced Karlynda Jones, of Grantsburg, WI, on a conviction from a 2019 fatal crash that occurred in Burnett County and resulted in the death of one person.
DrydenWire published a post in February 2019 regarding a fatal crash that occurred in Burnett County on February 16, 2019, on State Road 35 between Hayden Lake Road and Glendenning Road in Oakland Township, Burnett County.
A silver 2006 Pontiac Torrent minivan driven by Jones was traveling south on State Road 35, when she crossed the centerline, striking a red Subaru driven by Paul W. Hinds, resulting in the death of Mr. Hinds.
In November 2019, a criminal complaint was filed in Burnett County Circuit Court against Jones charging her with Class D Felony Homicide By Vehicle-Use of Controlled Substance, Class D Felony Second Degree Reckless Homicide, Class F Felony First Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety, Class G Felony Recklessly Endangering Safety, Class I Felony Possession of Methamphetamine, and Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
The case against Jones was scheduled for a Jury Trial in August 2021, however, online circuit court records show that in a hearing on August 30, 2021, the Court accepted Jones’ Guilty plea to her charge of Class D Felony Homicide By Vehicle-Use of Controlled Substance. The remaining charges filed against Jones were dismissed but read in.
Jones appeared most recently on December 6, 2021, for a sentencing hearing regarding her conviction of Class D Felony Homicide By Vehicle-Use of Controlled Substance.
Online records show that the State argued for an 8-year sentence with 5 years of initial confinement in state prison followed by 3 years of extended supervision. Jones's defense attorney also argued for an 8-year sentence with 4 years of initial confinement followed by 4 years of extended supervision with 148 days of jail credit.
The Court heard statements from two victims, and Jones also made a statement to the Court.
The Court ordered Jones to serve a 10-year prison sentence; 6 years of initial confinement with credit for 148 days served in jail, followed by 4 years of extended supervision.
Conditions of extended supervision will require Jones to complete a mental health assessment and an alcohol and other drug assessment and follow through. Jones will be required to maintain gainful employment and absolute sobriety and she will be prohibited from using or possessing any illegal drugs, paraphernalia, or controlled substances without a valid prescription.
Jones’ conditions will also prohibit her from having any contact with the victims or their families, and from associating with anyone currently on probation or any known drug users or drug dealers.
Jones’ driver’s license will be revoked for 5 years and she is to pay $518 in court costs and fines.
Last Update: Dec 14, 2021 8:43 am CST
