Wausau man sentenced in teen's overdose death

Family says 20-year sentence falls short of justice for 19-year-old's death

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Nearly six years after 19-year-old Adam Mundschau died of a drug overdose in a downtown Wausau apartment, the man convicted in his death was sentenced to a 20-year bifurcated prison term. The victim's family said the punishment falls far short of justice, describing years of grief and anger over the delayed arrest and prosecution.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing drug overdoses and holding individuals accountable for their role in such tragedies. The Mundschau family's emotional statements underscore the lasting impact on loved ones and the need for the justice system to respond with urgency and appropriate consequences.

The details

Otha C. Franklin, 47, pleaded guilty earlier this week to second-degree reckless homicide under a plea agreement that amended the original charge of first-degree reckless homicide and dismissed several other felony counts. Franklin was sentenced to 10 years in prison followed by 10 years of extended supervision, with credit for time served while awaiting trial. Adam Mundschau died on July 6, 2020, after overdosing on drugs at the Landmark Apartments in downtown Wausau. Prosecutors alleged Franklin left the apartment after Adam became unresponsive and took the remaining drugs with him. An arrest warrant was issued four days later, but Franklin was not taken into custody until March 2024 — more than three years later — after renewed attention to the case and assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service.

  • Adam Mundschau died on July 6, 2020.
  • An arrest warrant was issued four days later on July 10, 2020.
  • Franklin was not taken into custody until March 2024, more than three years later.

The players

Otha C. Franklin

A 47-year-old man convicted in the overdose death of 19-year-old Adam Mundschau.

Adam Mundschau

A 19-year-old who died of a drug overdose in a downtown Wausau apartment in 2020.

Michael Mundschau

Adam's brother, who delivered an emotional victim impact statement describing years of grief and anger over the delayed arrest and prosecution.

James Mundschau

Another brother of Adam, who is stationed in Germany and also delivered a statement criticizing the delayed accountability.

Judge Suzanne O'Neill

The Marathon County Circuit Judge who sentenced Franklin to a 20-year bifurcated prison term.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We have been given a life sentence of absence.”

— Michael Mundschau, Adam's brother (Wausau Pilot & Review)

“This was not a time for us to grieve. It was a period of sustained emotional drain.”

— Michael Mundschau, Adam's brother (Wausau Pilot & Review)

“My brother suffered. He died alone and scared.”

— James Mundschau, Adam's brother (Wausau Pilot & Review)

“There need to be real, life-altering consequences for life-altering actions.”

— James Mundschau, Adam's brother (Wausau Pilot & Review)

What’s next

The judge's decision on whether to allow Franklin out on bail during his appeal process is expected on Tuesday.

The takeaway

This case underscores the ongoing challenges in addressing the opioid crisis and the need for the justice system to respond with urgency and appropriate consequences to hold individuals accountable for their role in overdose deaths. The Mundschau family's emotional statements highlight the lasting impact on loved ones and the importance of prompt action to provide a sense of justice and closure.