A Tomahawk woman has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for her role in the June, 2003 death of Kenneth Wells of Rhinelander.
Wells' body was found floating in the Wisconsin River and the cause of death at that time was not determined.
Earlier this year, 34 year old Latoya Wolf came forward to describe her role in the death, which led to charges against her and her ex-husband Shannon Wolf. Latoya Wolf told police Wells had allegedly been suffocated and dumped in the river, allegedly implicating Shannon Wolf in the death.
Latoya Wolf plead no contest to an amended charge of Party to Second Degree Intentional Homicide. At sentencing Friday, District Attorney Michael Schiek said Wolf's testimony against her ex-husband and other factors led to recommending a lesser charge, but the idea of tricking Wells to go underneath the Davenport Street bridge to be killed was key...
"....to me, that is the most aggravated part of this is that manner in which it was carried out. That was the most important part...."
Defense Attorney Chris Gramstrup said her mental health and AODA problems were a factor, in addition to alleged coercion from her ex-husband...
"....he did everything he could at that time to isolate her from her family and there was a serious level of abuse...."
Latoya Wolf apologized, saying she agonized over the death for many years before coming forward. Oneida County Judge Michael Bloom sentenced Latoya Wolf to 12 years in prison with 13 years of extended supervision, following the state recommendation. Shannon Wolf remains in prison for a 2012 incident for stabbing Latoya Wolf. His trial on the murder charge is set for January
