Man found guilty after no contest pleas in 2025 wrong-way crash that killed Oostburg couple

Ace Vue took a plea deal, pleading no contest and waiving his right to a trial on three felony counts related to the May 2025 crash that took the lives of Jay and Nicole Horne.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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An Ozaukee County judge found Ace Vue guilty on three felony counts related to a deadly wrong-way crash in May 2025 that killed an Oostburg couple, Jay and Nicole Horne, and seriously injured their adult daughter. Vue pleaded no contest and waived his right to a trial as part of a plea deal.

Why it matters

This case highlights the tragic consequences of wrong-way driving and impaired driving, which continue to be major public safety issues on Wisconsin highways. The Horne family's devastating loss underscores the need for stronger enforcement and deterrents to prevent such incidents.

The details

According to prosecutors, Vue was driving more than 100 miles per hour the wrong way on I-43 when the head-on collision occurred. Dramatic dashcam video from Vue's car shows him speeding past several vehicles before the crash. Under the plea deal, the two Class B felony counts of first-degree reckless homicide were reduced to Class C felony counts of homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle.

  • The crash occurred in May 2025.
  • Vue's sentencing is scheduled for mid-May 2026.

The players

Ace Vue

The man charged in the deadly wrong-way crash who pleaded no contest and was found guilty on three felony counts.

Jay and Nicole Horne

The Oostburg couple who were killed in the crash.

Pauline Heyman

Jay Horne's sister, who spoke about the devastating impact of losing two family members at the same time.

Judge Sandy Williams

The Ozaukee County judge who found Vue guilty after he pleaded no contest.

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What they’re saying

“Losing one family member would have been horrific, but two at the same time has been a little much.”

— Pauline Heyman, Jay Horne's sister (TMJ4)

“I will find his pleas to be free, voluntary and informed... And I do so find you guilty.”

— Judge Sandy Williams (TMJ4)

What’s next

Vue's sentencing is scheduled for mid-May 2026, where prosecutors are recommending he serve 20 years in prison plus another 15 years of extended supervision.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the devastating impact of wrong-way and impaired driving, and the urgent need for stronger measures to prevent such incidents and protect innocent lives on Wisconsin's roads.