Man Sentenced for Fatal Milwaukee Crash

59-year-old Paul Hobbs pleaded guilty to charges and will serve 3 years in prison.

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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A La Crosse man has been sentenced to 3 years in prison and 10 years of extended supervision after pleading guilty to charges related to a 2023 crash in Milwaukee that killed one person and seriously injured another. Paul Hobbs, 59, was driving a minivan when he lost control, crossed a gas station parking lot, and collided with a stopped vehicle.

Why it matters

This case highlights the tragic consequences of reckless driving and the importance of holding drivers accountable for their actions, especially when their negligence results in loss of life and serious injury.

The details

According to the criminal complaint, Hobbs was driving westbound on I-94 in Milwaukee when he exited at 35th Street, lost control of his minivan, and collided with a stopped Chevrolet Malibu. The driver of the Malibu was killed, and a passenger suffered serious injuries. Hobbs initially claimed another car had pushed him into the accident, but surveillance footage showed his minivan moving at a high rate of speed through the gas station parking lot before the crash.

  • The fatal crash occurred on October 29, 2023.
  • Hobbs pleaded guilty to the charges in November 2025.
  • He was sentenced on February 19, 2026.

The players

Paul Hobbs

A 59-year-old man from La Crosse, Wisconsin who pleaded guilty to charges of second-degree reckless homicide and second-degree reckless injury related to the fatal 2023 crash in Milwaukee.

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What they’re saying

“He was the driver of the white Chrysler minivan. The defendant stated that a car pushed him into the accident, identified that car as a silver Mazda, but the defendant did not know where the car was hit, not did he know where the other vehicle went.”

— Paul Hobbs (Milwaukee Police Department)

What’s next

The judge's sentence of 3 years in prison and 10 years of extended supervision for Hobbs will hold him accountable for his actions and provide some measure of justice for the victims and their families.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the need for all drivers to operate their vehicles responsibly and with care for the safety of others on the road. Reckless driving that results in loss of life must be met with serious consequences to protect public safety.