WI Man Gets Life In Prison After Poisoning Mom Over Family Farm

WISCONSIN — A 51-year-old Glendale man was sentenced Tuesday to life in prison without the possibility of release for the murder of his mother in Dodgeville on July 19, 2021.

In December, an Iowa County, Wisconsin jury convicted Aric L. Way and his son — Philip G. Schmidt-Way, 28, of Colorado — of first-degree intentional homicide in the death of their mother/grandmother.

Schmidt-Way is scheduled to be sentenced on March 5.

"This sentence reflects the gravity of the horrible crime committed in this case," said Attorney General Josh Kaul in a statement. "I’m thankful to those who ensured that the defendant will face the consequences."

On July 19, 2021, the grandmother was found deceased in her Dodgeville home. An autopsy determined that carbon monoxide poisoning was a contributing factor in her death.

According to the criminal complaint, the grandmother had recently agreed to sell the family farm, which Schmidt-Way was set to inherit when she died.

Way purchased products known to react together to create carbon monoxide and Mr. Schmidt-Way’s vehicle was seen on camera at the victim’s home on the night of her death, according to investigators.

There were no obvious sources to explain elevated levels of carbon monoxide in the home, authorities said.