Waukesha County Man Sentenced For 2023 Murder In Grafton

PORT WASHINGTON, WI — A Waukesha County man was sentenced to life in prison this week in the 2023 killing of another man in Grafton, according to authorities and reports.

Miguel Aponte, 37, was also ordered to serve a year for bail jumping, The Waukesha County Freeman reported. The sentences will run consecutively, and he will be eligible for extended supervision after 40 years

Aponte was convicted of first-degree intentional homicide and felony bail jumping in January in connection with the March 2023 death of Laeng Sanavongsay, according to a Fox 6 Milwaukee report.

The Ozaukee County Sheriff's Office said Sanavongsay was found dead in a vehicle on County Highway C south of Tallgrass Drive in the town of Grafton on March 4, 2023. Aponte was arrested more than 6 months later.

According to reports, Sanavongsay's body was found in the backseat of the car. He had tape over his mouth, binding marks on his wrists and a bullet in his head. It also appeared as if someone tried to start a fire inside the vehicle.

Reports said cell phone records obtained by authorities showed Sanavongsay in several locations throughout southeast Wisconsin, including a New Berlin residence where Aponte and his girlfriend lived.

Aponte's DNA was later found on the door handle of the rental car, as well as on Sanavongsay’s right palm, The Freeman reported.

Aponte was convicted on Jan. 21 after a jury deliberated for five hours.