A Berlin man made his initial appearance in Waushara County Circuit Court Thursday afternoon, facing charges that include OWI homicide, and hit and run homicide. Max J. Winkel, 19, is free on a $15,000 signature bond following his initial appearance in Wautoma.
Winkel faces nine counts related to the death of 17-year-old Devlin Klein of Poy Sippi, including the OWI homicide, hit and run resulting in death, as well as causing injury by intoxicated use of a vehicle.
The complaint alleges Winkel was the intoxicated driver of a pick-up that rear ended another car in the early morning hours of September 4th north of Berlin near the intersection of State Highway 21 and County Highway “XX.”
Klein was killed in that collision and two others injured. After allegedly fleeing that accident scene, Winkel’s pick-up ended up in a ditch three miles away, where he and another passenger were hurt. The complaint alleges his blood alcohol concentration was .197 percent.
Winkel faces over 80 years in prison if convicted. He is due back in court for a statue conference on February 29th.
Jack Barry-WDUX