Green Lake County Man Pleads No Contest in Fatal Crash

Justen Poulson faces sentencing in June for killing his mother while driving under the influence.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 2:36pm

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A 47-year-old Green Lake County man has pleaded no contest to a homicide-by-vehicle charge tied to drug use in a crash that killed his 68-year-old mother last October. Justen Poulson is scheduled to be sentenced on June 8, 2026 after admitting to running a stop sign and slamming into a dump truck, resulting in his mother's death.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of impaired driving and the tragic consequences it can have, even when the driver is related to the victim. It also raises questions about sentencing for drug-related vehicular homicides in Wisconsin, where the offense can carry up to 25 years in prison.

The details

According to court records, Poulson told investigators he had smoked marijuana the morning of the October 3, 2025 crash and had been drinking the night before. Dash-cam footage showed Poulson did not appear to brake or try to stop before running a stop sign and colliding with the northbound dump truck at the intersection of Miller Road and County Highway A. Poulson and the dump truck driver were both injured, while Poulson's mother, Kathleen Rebecca Lynn Leow, was killed.

  • The crash occurred on October 3, 2025.
  • Poulson pleaded no contest to the reduced homicide charge on March 28, 2026.
  • Sentencing is scheduled for June 8, 2026.

The players

Justen Poulson

A 47-year-old Green Lake County resident who pleaded no contest to a homicide-by-vehicle charge tied to drug use in a crash that killed his mother.

Kathleen Rebecca Lynn Leow

Poulson's 68-year-old mother who was killed in the October 2025 crash.

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What they’re saying

“Poulson told investigators he "zoned out" while driving and admitted drinking about a six-pack the night before and smoking marijuana the morning of the crash.”

— Justen Poulson

What’s next

Poulson is due back in Green Lake County court on June 8 for sentencing, when a judge will decide his punishment under the plea agreement and state law.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the need for continued education and enforcement around the dangers of impaired driving, as well as the importance of sentencing guidelines that hold offenders accountable while also considering the complex dynamics when a family member is involved.