NEW RICHMOND, WI — A Wisconsin homicide case has concluded with the sentencing of 71-year-old Gordon Laakso for a conviction of reckless homicide in the March 2025 death of his wife, 68-year-old Mary Laakso.
The New Richmond Police Department stated in a press release in March, that on Sunday, March 2, 2025 at approximately 1:45p the New Richmond Police Department received a call for a possible domestic disturbance/welfare check of 68-year-old Mary Laakso. The 911 caller indicated that Mary’s husband, 70-year-old Gordon Laakso, made statements that led them to believe Mary may have been harmed earlier in the day.
Upon arrival at the residence in the 1300 block of Bluff Border Road in New Richmond, law enforcement officers were able to locate Gordon, however, they could not locate Mary at the residence or reach her by phone.
The investigation later led to a rural area in Polk County, where Mary was found deceased at approximately 4:00p.
On March 3, 2025 the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office provisional report indicated the manner of death to be homicide.
Laakso was charged with 1st Degree Intentional Homicide, Strangulation and Suffocation, and Hiding a Corpse.
At a court hearing in September 2025, he entered a plea of Guilty to an amended court of 1st Degree Reckless Homicide. The remaining charges were dismissed.
The Hon. Judge Michael Waterman sentenced Laakso during a hearing on December 5, 2025, to serve a 20-year sentence with 14 years of initial incarceration in state prison, followed by 6 years of extended supervision.
Laakson is ordered to undergo a psychological evaluation, a domestic violence assessment, and any other programming deemed appropriate by the Department of Corrections.
Last Update: Dec 09, 2025 11:53 am CST
