MEDFORD, WI (WSAU) — The man suspected of killing 27-year-old Titus Kottke in a hit-and-run crash outside Medford in October of 2021 was sentenced on Monday.
Paul Schmeiser entered a no contest plea to a felony charge for hit and run, causing death. A judge then found him guilty and dismissed a second felony for homicide by negligent use of a vehicle. The sentence includes a seven-year prison term which has been imposed and stayed, meaning it will be wiped out if the 30-year-old completes a seven-year probation term.
Schmeiser will have to serve a one-year jail sentence beginning no later than July 19th. He will have Huber, or work release, privileges. Additional terms of the sentence include counseling or treatment, a five-year revoking of his driver’s license, and a letter of apology to Kottke’s family.
He will also be required to speak to a driver’s ed class or victim impact panel at least once a year while on probation. His $2000 bond was also revoked to pay court costs and fees.
Kottke was walking along Elm Avenue in the Town of Holway. Witnesses reported seeing him alive at around 3:30 AM on October 31st. His body was found just after 6 AM, with autopsy results showing his injuries were consistent with a hit-and-run.
