A late-night drive in Appleton, Wisconsin, ended in tragedy when a speeding car slammed into another vehicle, killing a 27-year-old driver. More than a year later, the teenager behind the wheel has entered a plea in connection with the deadly crash.
Carter Green, now 19, pleaded no contest on October 12, 2026, to homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle. The case stems from a collision on October 4, 2025, that claimed the life of Casey Sjoberg and left Sjoberg’s passenger injured.
According to investigators, Green was driving a Chevrolet Malibu fitted with a newly installed turbo when he allegedly ran a red light at speeds estimated between 130 and 145 mph. His car struck Sjoberg’s Dodge Neon near Richmond Street and Interstate 41 in Appleton.
The investigation raised serious questions about Green’s condition behind the wheel. When officers arrived, they reportedly noticed the smell of alcohol and asked him whether he had been drinking. Green denied consuming alcohol, saying he had not been drinking at all.
However, officers observed signs of impairment during their interaction with him. A preliminary breath test later registered a blood alcohol concentration of 0.178, more than twice Wisconsin’s standard legal limit of 0.08 for drivers aged 21 and older.
Wisconsin has an even stricter rule for younger motorists: drivers under 21 are prohibited from operating a vehicle with any detectable alcohol in their system. The state’s absolute-sobriety law applies regardless of whether a young driver reaches the standard adult legal limit.
Passenger Describes the Hours Before the Collision
Investigators also received information from Green’s passenger, who was reportedly asleep when the crash occurred. The passenger later told police that he and Green had attended a bonfire before visiting a strip club.
According to his account, Green consumed several beers during the evening. The passenger also recalled seeing the Malibu’s speedometer reach approximately 130 mph and said he believed Green was driving at an extremely high speed.
The passenger told investigators that Green had a new turbo installed in the car the day before the collision. The modification became a notable detail in the investigation as police worked to establish how fast the vehicle had been traveling.
Two days after the crash, the passenger visited the Appleton Police Department to provide additional information. He said Green woke him after the collision and repeatedly expressed concern about his situation, saying, “I’m screwed.”
Investigators also examined traffic-camera and surveillance footage. According to reports on the case, the video evidence helped establish the vehicle’s estimated speed and indicated that Green entered the intersection against a red light.
One Driver Died at the Scene
Sjoberg was pronounced dead at the crash site. His passenger survived but required hospital treatment for injuries sustained in the collision.
The loss of life turned the crash into a criminal case with potentially significant consequences for Green. He had initially faced a first-degree reckless homicide charge, along with additional counts related to injuries allegedly caused while driving under the influence.
His no-contest plea on October 12 resulted in a conviction for homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle. Under a no-contest plea, a defendant does not admit guilt in the same way as a guilty plea but accepts the court’s conviction and its legal consequences.
Sentencing Scheduled for December
Green is scheduled to return to court on December 22, 2026, for sentencing. He could face a substantial prison term under Wisconsin law, although the final punishment will depend on the court’s sentencing decision and the applicable terms of his case.
The case highlights the potentially devastating consequences of combining alcohol consumption with extreme speeding. At speeds exceeding 130 mph, a driver has very little time to respond to changing traffic conditions, and a red-light intersection can leave other motorists with almost no opportunity to avoid a collision.
For Sjoberg’s family and those affected by the crash, the upcoming sentencing hearing will mark another significant stage in a case that began with a fatal collision on an Appleton road.
