Abrams driver charged with negligent homicide

OCONTO — The driver of a pickup truck involved in a fatal collision with a motorcycle was scheduled to make an initial court appearance Wednesday, charged with homicide by negligent operation of a motor vehicle.

According to the criminal complaint filed in in Oconto County Circuit Court, Damian Lee Murphy, 18, of Abrams was driving a pickup truck southbound on County Road J in the town of Pensaukee around 10:43 a.m. Aug. 14.

A witness said the truck failed to stop at a stop sign at U.S. 41 and collided with a northbound motorcycle, the complaint said. Albert W. Reppert, 71, of Midlothian, Illinois, died from his injuries a short time later.

The charge is a Class G felony, which is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a $25,000 fine, or both.