Laona, Wisconsin – A woman from Laona, Wisconsin has pleaded guilty to homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle after dragging her husband under a pickup truck while heavily intoxicated.
The fatal incident, which took place in October 2023, ended in a plea deal accepted earlier this month and has brought renewed focus to the dangers of drunk driving.
What Happened That Night
On October 19, 2023, local residents in Laona were disturbed by the sound of a vehicle moving oddly down a residential road, followed by what some described as a “prolonged thud.” Concerned neighbors went outside and discovered the body of 61-year-old Donald Britten Jr. lying motionless in the road.
He had sustained fatal injuries after being dragged beneath a pickup truck driven by his wife, 50-year-old Mary Jane Terry.
Forest County deputies were dispatched to the scene. Among them was Deputy William Stanley, who had known the couple for years. Upon arrival, he found Terry near the body and reportedly asking, “Billy, is he dead?” Stanley attempted CPR, but Britten was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigation Reveals Shocking Details
According to reports from the Forest County Sheriff’s Office, Terry initially denied driving the vehicle, claiming she wasn’t sure how the incident had occurred.
However, after further questioning, she admitted to getting behind the wheel of the truck to retrieve her cell phone. She also admitted to consuming alcohol earlier in the evening.
Terry underwent a field sobriety test, which revealed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.298 — nearly four times the legal limit of 0.08 in Wisconsin. Law enforcement officers also found 48 feet of drag marks on the road, suggesting that her husband had been dragged a significant distance before the truck came to a stop.
Legal Proceedings and Plea Deal
Originally, Terry faced multiple charges, including first-degree intentional homicide and homicide by intoxicated use of a motor vehicle. In early May 2025, Terry accepted a plea agreement from Forest County prosecutors.
She pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle, leading to the dismissal of the more serious intentional homicide charge.
She is now awaiting sentencing, which is scheduled for May 16, 2025, at the Forest County Courthouse in Crandon, Wisconsin.
State Law and Penalties
Under Wisconsin law, homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle is classified as a Class D felony. The maximum penalty includes up to 25 years in prison and $100,000 in fines.
In 2019, state lawmakers enacted tougher sentencing guidelines with Wisconsin Act 31, which requires a minimum of five years in prison for anyone convicted of this crime — unless the court finds a substantial reason to impose a lesser sentence.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice and local law enforcement agencies regularly emphasize that operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not only illegal but frequently deadly. Terry’s high BAC reading and the tragic loss of life have served as a grim reminder of the law’s intent.
Impact on the Community
The death of Donald Britten Jr. has deeply affected the community of Laona. Friends and neighbors described the couple as longtime residents who had experienced both highs and lows in their relationship.
Though authorities have not publicly stated whether domestic issues played a role, many in the area are still reeling from the sudden and violent nature of the incident.
Community leaders are urging residents to use the tragedy as a lesson and to make responsible choices when consuming alcohol. Local organizations are also promoting available resources for those struggling with alcohol dependency or unsafe behaviors behind the wheel.
Help Is Available
For those affected by substance use disorders or concerned about impaired driving, several state and local services provide support and education:
- Wisconsin Department of Health Services – Alcohol and Drug Support
https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/substance-use/index.htm - Wisconsin Department of Transportation – Drunk Driving Laws and Penalties
https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/safety/education/drunkdriving/laws.aspx
These resources offer tools for prevention, treatment, and understanding the legal consequences of driving under the influence.
Conclusion
The conviction of Mary Jane Terry for killing her husband while intoxicated behind the wheel has shocked Forest County and cast a spotlight on the real-life consequences of impaired driving. As she awaits sentencing, the community reflects on the irreversible damage done and the importance of personal responsibility and public safety.
For the latest legal updates and access to Wisconsin state court records, you can visit the official Wisconsin Circuit Court Access website.
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