Bangor woman found guilty for reckless homicide in Oneida County

A Bangor woman was found guilty at the conclusion of a five-day jury trial in Oneida County court on Aug. 1.

Andrea Walker, 44, was convicted of first degree reckless homicide as a party to a crime, a class C felony that carries a maximum of 40 years in prison.

A criminal complaint was filed against Walker on July 7, 2023, in Oneida County after she was accused of being “the middleman” in a drug deal that resulted in the death of a Rhinelander man, Phillip Puza, who purchased heroin and methamphetamine.  

According to the complaint, and as previously reported in The Northwoods River News, the victim was found dead at his Rhinelander home days after he purchased the drugs in western Wisconsin. 

The victim’s death, according to the state crime lab, was caused by an overdose of fentanyl and methamphetamine. 

According to the complaint, a “large pile of white crystalline substance” was found on the victim’s dresser and a bed, along with other drug paraphernalia located in the residence. 

The victim was also noted to have been “acting weird” and “bumping into things” the night before his death, a family member living with him said to investigators. 

According to the complaint, Walker, during an interview with investigators while she was being held in La Crosse County jail in May of 2023, admitted to being part of the drug deal involving the victim and individuals in La Crosse County earlier that year. 

“I guess it’s my fault if I’m the middleman,” Walker was quoted saying in the complaint. 

After the jury presented its guilty verdict on Aug. 1, according to court records, Walker’s bond was revoked and she was remanded by law enforcement. 

Judge Mary Sowinski scheduled a sentencing hearing in the case for Oct. 10 at 8:30 a.m.

Trevor Greene may be reached via email at [email protected].