Turner sentenced to life with parole | WSAU News/Talk 550 AM · 99.9 FM

WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — A Marathon County man who admitted to shooting his friend will officially serve a life sentence for the crime.

Michael Turner was sentenced Tuesday to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 25 years by Judge Suzanne O'Neil.

The shooting occurred following a brief argument in May 2021 when Turner approached the 45-year-old victim. He shot the man, then fled. The victim was able to go to a nearby business for help and was hospitalized.

The victim, who was never identified, died a few weeks later. He was able to identify Turner as a suspect while he was hospitalized.

Turner was arrested in Marquette County shortly after police issued a search for his vehicle.

The possibility of parole was the only item discussed during Tuesday's hearing. In Wisconsin, first-degree intentional homicide carries an automatic life sentence, but the judge has the option of granting the possibility of a parole hearing after 20 years.

O'Neil gave Turner credit for the three years already served in prison while awaiting trial, which makes him eligible to apply for parole in 2046. There is no guarantee he will be granted parole at that time -there.

Turner had previously pleaded not guilty to the charges. The case was going to trial, but he changed his plea to guilty on the last business day before jury selection.