Judge denies request to reduce sentence for Ashwaubenon murderer

Prez Wade is convicted in Brown County court, Sept. 23, 2024. (Photo courtesy: Brown County courts/Zoom)

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Prez Wade’s 35-year prison sentence for the March, 2023, murder of Braxton Phillips will not be reduced, a judge ruled.

Wade was convicted of first-degree reckless homicide for the shooting at the Creekwood Apartments in Ashwaubenon.

In a post-conviction motion, Wade argued how he used the word “accident” was misinterpreted, and he should be resentenced as a result.

But in a six-page decision issued Monday, Judge Tammy Jo Hock rejected that argument.

“Wade’s motion does not present a new factor. Whether Wade was using the word “accident” as in common parlance or as a technical legal term, the evidence did not support either proposition. Wade was on supervision, but he was drinking heavily while also in possession of firearms. Wade allegedly had experience with firearms. For example, Wade knew the specific kind of bullet one of the guns was loaded with, and there was evidence he intentionally unloaded the second gun. The victim was shot at close range, and Wade failed to render any aid. Wade then called police, but misled them. Wade even encountered police as he fled the scene. Wade then lied to police, and he tried to destroy evidence from the crime. This conduct was not accidental. Therefore, when he used the word “accident,” Wade simply had no credibility whatsoever,” the decision states. “Accordingly, the Court rejected Wade’s explanation of the events surrounding the victim’s death. Trial counsel’s factual and legal arguments supporting the reckless homicide plea were well made. As such, counsel’s arguments were considered at sentencing while Wade’s arguments were rejected. For these reasons, Wade does not now offer a new factor.”

Wade is currently at the Wisconsin Secure Program Facility.