By Liz Adkins
InkFreeNews

Victor Joseph Waikel

WARSAW — A Milford man pled guilty to a felony for his involvement in a fatal OWI accident.

Victor Joseph Waikel, 22, 204 N. Perry Drive, Milford, pled guilty to causing death while operating a vehicle while intoxicated, a level 4 felony.

The plea hearing was held in Kosciusko Superior Court Three on Tuesday, May 21.

Sentencing will take place at 9:15 a.m. Tuesday, June 25.

During the hearing, Kosciusko Superior Court Three Judge Chad Miner said Waikel’s plea agreement states his sentence can be up to a 12-year sentence, with the initial executed portion being between two to eight years.

Waikel will also have to pay $9,425.25 in restitution to the family of Ricardo L. Garcia, 36, North Webster; and $39,008.26 in restitution to Juan C. Acuahuitl. Garcia passed away in the accident and Acuahuitl was a front seat passenger.

Waikel’s plea was taken under advisement.

On Nov. 29, 2023, emergency personnel responded to a single-vehicle accident on Epworth Forest Road, near North Webster. Waikel was identified as the vehicle’s driver.

During the investigation, officers noticed Waikel was exhibiting signs of intoxication. He failed several field sobriety tests and a portable breath test resulted in a 0.12% BrAC.

Waikel said he was driving Garcia and Acuahuitl home when his vehicle slid off the roadway while at a curve. He admitted to drinking alcohol prior to the accident.

Waikel has a prior OWI conviction.