Tragic Family Farm Feud: Wisconsin Man Sentenced to Life for Poisoning Mother

A Bitter Dispute Unravels

In a shocking turn of events, a 52-year-old Wisconsin man, Aric Way, has been sentenced to spend the rest of his life behind bars for fatally poisoning his 74-year-old mother, Diana Way, with carbon monoxide in 2021. The motive behind this heinous crime was Aric’s distress over his mother’s decision to sell the family farm to long-time friends.

Legal Battles and Guardian Woes

The Wisconsin Attorney General revealed on February 6 that Aric Way received a life sentence without the possibility of release for his role in his mother’s death. Court proceedings exposed a series of disturbing events, starting with Way’s attempt to gain legal guardianship over his mother, aiming to halt the farm’s sale. However, this petition was dismissed, intensifying the family feud.

Deadly Concoction Unveiled

As tensions escalated, Way’s resentment culminated in a tragic plot. His mother’s attorney confirmed that Diana Way altered her will to exclude Aric, leaving her estate to her grandson, Philip Schmidt-Way. The fateful day, July 19, 2021, saw the discovery of Diana’s lifeless body by a prospective buyer of her book collection. Emergency responders detected alarmingly high carbon monoxide levels, raising suspicions about the cause of death.

Devious Plot Unraveled

Investigations revealed a sinister plot as authorities delved into surveillance footage and Way’s online activities. The victim’s home showed elevated carbon monoxide levels, but no clear explanation emerged. A stain near the victim’s bed and unusual injuries raised suspicions. Way’s attempts to mislead investigators further deepened the mystery until a search of his son’s truck uncovered damning evidence, including respirators, chemicals, and incriminating Google searches. The final twist in the case came with the revelation of Way’s disturbing online searches, including inquiries about sulfuric acid and the hallucinogenic effects of carbon monoxide. The purchase of formic acid strips, which can induce carbon monoxide poisoning, added a chilling dimension to the crime. The discovery of sodium bicarbonate and sodium sulfate in Schmidt-Way’s truck mirrored substances found in the victim’s bedroom, sealing the case against the accused.

In a statement, Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul emphasized the gravity of the crime, stating that the life sentence reflects the severity of the case. The tragic tale of a family torn apart by greed and resentment serves as a haunting reminder of the lengths some individuals are willing to go to satisfy their personal agendas. As the legal system ensures justice for Diana Way, the community is left to grapple with the aftermath of a chilling crime that will forever be etched in their collective memory. The case stands as a testament to the intricacies of family dynamics and the devastating consequences when disputes spiral out of control.