Oconomowoc fatal hit-and-run; Matthew Brennecke appears in court
Fatal hit-and-run, man in court
The driver accused in an Oconomowoc hit-and-run crash that killed 87-year-old Al Eighmy made his initial appearance in Waukesha County Court on Friday.
OCONOMOWOC, Wis. - The driver accused in an Oconomowoc hit-and-run crash that killed 87-year-old Al Eighmy made his initial appearance in Waukesha County Court on Friday.
Wanted man arrested
In Court:
The Waukesha County District Attorney's Office charged 49-year-old Matthew Brennecke and issued a warrant for his arrest on Wednesday. He was taken into custody on Thursday night.
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Prosecutors charged him with hit-and-run involving death. His bond was set at $100,000 on Friday, and he's due back in court for a preliminary hearing next month.
Dig deeper:
Court records show Brennecke has a "lengthy criminal history," that includes a prior conviction for hit-and-run in Milwaukee County.
Matthew Brennecke; Al Eighmy
Hit-and-run crash
The backstory:
The crash happened on Monday, July 14, at the intersection of Allen Road and Orchard Circle. Police said an SUV hit a Kubota tractor just before 1 p.m. and fled the scene.
The victim, identified as Eighmy, was taken to the hospital after the crash. Police said his condition deteriorated, and he suffered two strokes, before friends said he died on Wednesday.
Dig deeper:
Prosecutors said Brennecke smashed his cellphone and tried to hide the damaged vehicle he was driving from police.
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"Damage so substantial that there were parts all over the road," Court Commissioner David Herring said during Brennecke's initial appearance.
"Covering that car with a camouflage tarp, as well as putting branches all over it, to blend in with the scenery and woods," said Prosecutor J.J. Crawford.
Police said surveillance cameras helped connect Brennecke to the crash.
Matthew Brennecke
"What would possess somebody to leave somebody in a state so badly that they take off unless they've got something else to hide?" Herring said.
During a police interview, investigators said Brennecke admitted to "clipping the tractor" and said he did did not stop because he was scared.
"I don't believe this is a violent offense," said Brennecke's defense attorney.
FOX6 News stopped by Brennecke's home in Dousman on Thursday afternoon. Police surrounded it about an hour later.
"A tip was called in that saw him coming out of his residence," said Crawford.
Al Eighmy with Pastor Clare Sedlacek
‘Generous and humble man’
What they're saying:
Pastor Clare Sedlacek said Eighmy was on his way to mow grass at their church when the unthinkable happened.
"Until this person is charged, there’s that uncertainty – and that just adds to the grief people experience," said Sedlacek. The pastor remembers Eighmy as a man of faith who gave his time and love.
"Just a very giving and generous and humble man."
The Source: The information in this post was provided by Wisconsin Circuit Court Access.