Fourth accused in Ripon overdose death pleads guilty

FON DU LAC COUNTY, Wis. (WBAY) – Donavin James Mueller, the fourth man charged with negligent homicide, pleaded guilty to first degree negligent homicide in the April 7, 2023, fentanyl overdose death of a young man in Ripon.

Fond du Lac County District Attorney Eric J. Toney announced the sentence Wednesday. The district attorney said Mueller’s bond was revoked, PSI was ordered, and Judge Douglas Edelstein set a sentencing date for Friday, February 7, 2025, at 3:00 p.m.

“The Ripon Police Department conducted a complex investigation that took another dangerous drug dealer off our streets with a murder conviction,” District Attorney Tony said in a statement. “Donovin Mueller was the source of the fentanyl, two levels, recovered from a fatal delivery by co-defendants Schmidt-Rebein and Springston that occurred at the Ripon residence of co-defendant Michael Manske. The source between the defendants and Mueller was not able to be charged because he died. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the families who have lost a loved one to fentanyl and opioids.”

As we reportedAn 18-year-old man was found dead of a fentanyl overdose on a Ripon pavement in April 2023.

According to criminal complaints, the two defendants and the victim were using drugs at a home on Scott Street when the 18-year-old began to overdose.

Instead of seeking help, the accused took him out of the house and left him there.

The other defendants, Joseph Schmidt-Rebein and Mason Springston, are scheduled to be sentenced in December. Mihail Manske will be sentenced in January.

As for Olivia Nordvold, who was also connected to the case, her case is still pending, but no murder charges have been filed against her.