Woman faces drunk-driving homicide charges in boyfriend’s death

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Prosecutors said Marlene Wanek, 42, Green Bay, was drunk, and was probably using a cell phone when she struck and killed her boyfriend in a crash last month.

Wanek has been charged with homicide by drunk driving in the death of 41-year-old Kenneth Brown of Avondale, Arizona on Nov. 5. Officials said her blood alcohol level was .239 – almost three times the legal limit.

According to authorities, the couple was at a tavern when Wanek lost $60 in a video-gambling machine, and Brown got upset when she asked him for 20 more. Officials said Brown left and started to walk home, and Wanek later went to look for him.

Police said she hit something while driving on a business street. When she noticed it was Brown, she stopped and tried to resuscitate him.

Prosecutors said she appeared to be driving up to 49miles per hour in a 25-mph zone. She was apparently trying to call Brown on her cell phone when she hit him. She’s free on a signature bond, pending her first court appearance Jan. 4.

Tags: crime and courts, wisconsin, crime