A woman convicted of killing two 18-year-old women in a drunk driving accident last year will spend 80 years in prison. Brown County judge Sue Bischel sentenced 46 year-old Anrietta Geske Monday in the deaths of 18-year-old Fox Valley Lutheran Graduate Ashley Britsch-Knetzger and her friend Tahlia Heroux. The two young women were killed when Geske ran a red light and broadsided their car at more than 80 miles an hour on Oneida Street in Ashwaubenon.
Judge Bischel said Geske lied under oath when she claimed that the accident happened when she reached for her dog and her foot momentarily stuck on the gas pedal. Bischel says given the evidence in the case, that would be impossible. Bischel also cited Geske's lack of remorse. She said Geske showed no reaction when she saw pictures of the women she killed. Geske apologized to the victims' families and said she wishes that she was killed instead.
Geske's attorney, Jerome Buting, said his client was prepared for the sentence, but he feels it was overly harsh. Buting also feels Judge Bischel unnecessarily demonized Geske. Buting says Geske will likely appeal her conviction, but will be represented by a different attorney.
Mike Knetzger, Ashley Britsch-Knetzger's father, said he was pleased by the sentence. He hoped his family can start to heal, now that Geske has been held accountable for her actions.
