Man Sentenced to 5 Years Probation for Role in Fatal Overdose

Dontreace Saulsberry provided drugs that led to the death of a pregnant woman in 2017.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 2:05am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a used syringe against a pitch-black background, capturing the stark, gritty reality of the opioid epidemic.A harsh, unforgiving spotlight on the physical remnants of the opioid crisis, exposing the deadly toll of drug addiction in Northeast Wisconsin.Green Bay Today

Nearly nine years after he provided the drugs that led to the death of a pregnant woman, Dontreace Saulsberry was sentenced to five years of probation. Saulsberry was convicted of reckless homicide for his role in the June 2017 death of Jennifer Skeen, who had a lethal dose of fentanyl in her system.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing opioid crisis in Northeast Wisconsin and the challenges of prosecuting drug-related deaths, even years after the incident. The judge emphasized the deadly impact of drug dealing in the community.

The details

Saulsberry provided the drugs to Cassie Nygren and Shawn Gray, who then provided them to Skeen. Autopsy results showed Skeen, who was about 30 weeks pregnant, had more than three times a lethal dose of fentanyl in her system. Nygren was sentenced to 13 years in prison, while Gray received 12.5 years, for their roles in the case.

  • Skeen died in June 2017.
  • Saulsberry was convicted of reckless homicide on April 8, 2026.
  • Saulsberry was sentenced to 5 years probation on April 9, 2026.

The players

Dontreace Saulsberry

A 46-year-old man who was convicted of reckless homicide for providing the drugs that led to the death of a pregnant woman in 2017.

Jennifer Skeen

A pregnant woman who died in 2017 after overdosing on fentanyl-laced drugs provided by Saulsberry.

Cassie Nygren

A woman who received the drugs from Saulsberry and then provided them to the victim, Skeen. Nygren was sentenced to 13 years in prison for her role in the case.

Shawn Gray

A man who received the drugs from Saulsberry and then provided them to the victim, Skeen. Gray was sentenced to 12.5 years in prison for his role in the case.

John Zakowski

The Brown County Judge who sentenced Saulsberry to 5 years of probation, recognizing his time served and rehabilitation efforts.

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What they’re saying

“It's a dirty world and it's a deadly world. You can talk about violent criminals, anybody pushing drugs is just as violent because it can result in a death like it did here.”

— John Zakowski, Brown County Judge

What’s next

The judge ordered Saulsberry to follow through with all recommended treatment, maintain absolute sobriety, and have no contact with anyone who uses or sells controlled substances, as well as the victim's family.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing opioid crisis in Northeast Wisconsin and the challenges of prosecuting drug-related deaths, even years after the incident. It also underscores the deadly impact of drug dealing in the community and the need for comprehensive addiction treatment and rehabilitation programs.