Wisconsin Rapids man found guilty of homicide

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – Portage County District Attorney Cass Cousins announced that a Wisconsin Rapids man was convicted two weeks ago by a Portage County Jury of First Degree Reckless Homicide by the Delivery of Drugs and First Degree Reckless Homicide of an Unborn Child.
Laron Thomas, 38, was initially charged in 2022 for the delivery of fentanyl which caused the death of a 28-year-old woman and her 8-month-old unborn child. The Stevens Point Police Department investigation learned of the deaths on June 1, 2022, when the woman was found dead of a drug overdose. Through its investigation, police learned that the decedent had been given fentanyl by her boyfriend, who purchased it from Laron Thomas the prior day. The decedent’s boyfriend, who testified at the trial, was previously prosecuted and is currently serving a lengthy prison term for his role in the death.
The four-day trial was presided over by Judge Patricia Baker and prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Jed Dodge. The jury deliberated for approximately three hours before returning guilty verdicts on both counts.
Following the verdict, Judge Baker revoked the defendant’s bond and remanded him to the custody of the Portage County Sheriff’s Office to await sentencing. The sentencing hearing was scheduled for Oct. 24.