Michael Turner
WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — A Marathon County man who admitted to shooting his friend will officially serve a life sentence for the crime.
Michael Turner was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 25 years on Tuesday by Judge Suzanne O’Neil.
The shooting happened following a brief argument in May of 2021 when Turner approached the 45-year-old victim. He shot the man, then fled. The victim was able to go to a nearby business for help and was hospitalized.
The victim, who was never identified, died a few weeks later. He was able to identify Turner as the suspect while he was hospitalized.
Turner was arrested in Marquette County shortly after police issued a be on the lookout for his vehicle.
The possibility of parole was the only element up for discussion during Tuesday’s hearing. First-degree intentional homicide carries an automatic life sentence in Wisconsin, but the judge does have the ability to grant the possibility of a parole hearing after 20 years.
O’Neil did give Turner credit for three years already served in jail while awaiting trial, making him eligible to apply for parole in 2046. There is no guarantee that he will get parole at that time.
Turner had previously pled not guilty to the charges. The case had been tracking for trial, but he changed his plea to guilty on the last business day before jury selection.
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