BURNETT COUNTY, WI – A Burnett County woman has been sentenced following her conviction for a 2023 crash that tragically claimed the life of a passenger riding in her vehicle. Aliza Mitchell, age 21, of Siren, Wisconsin, received her sentence on July 28, 2025, after being found guilty of homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle.
The incident occurred in the early morning hours of October 4, 2023, on State Road 35, near Glendening Road. According to investigators, Mitchell was operating her vehicle when it left the roadway, resulting in a single-vehicle rollover crash. The crash killed one of her passengers, whose name has not been publicly released out of respect for the family.
Toxicology reports later confirmed that Mitchell was under the influence of THC, the active compound in marijuana, at the time of the accident. Further investigation revealed she was also driving without a valid driver’s license.
Authorities say the crash was avoidable and the result of reckless choices behind the wheel. According to the criminal complaint, Mitchell lost control of the vehicle, which rolled over and came to a rest off the side of the highway. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but the passenger succumbed to their injuries at the scene.
The tragic loss prompted a thorough investigation by the Burnett County Sheriff’s Office and Wisconsin State Patrol, ultimately leading to charges being filed against Mitchell for her role in the fatal incident. The investigation highlighted Mitchell’s impairment and lack of licensure as contributing factors in the deadly crash.
In court, prosecutors emphasized the irreversible consequences of Mitchell’s actions, pointing to the preventable nature of the tragedy. The victim’s family, who have endured over a year of grief and legal proceedings, expressed heartbreak but hope that the sentencing provides a measure of justice.
During sentencing, the judge acknowledged Mitchell’s young age and lack of prior criminal history, but underscored the seriousness of the offense and the devastating outcome. The court considered victim impact statements, the defendant’s level of remorse, and the presence of THC in her system at the time of the crash.
As part of her sentence, Aliza Mitchell faces a period of incarceration, probation, mandatory drug and alcohol counseling, and the revocation of her driving privileges. The court also ordered Mitchell to speak at local schools and community forums about the dangers of impaired driving as part of a community education effort.
The case has drawn attention in Burnett County and surrounding communities, serving as a somber reminder of how impaired driving and poor decisions can lead to irreversible consequences.
Law enforcement officials and victim advocates continue to stress the importance of safe, sober, and legal driving — particularly among young drivers — to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As of now, Mitchell has begun serving her sentence. The name of the deceased passenger remains withheld in respect to the wishes of the family. Memorials and tributes have been shared by loved ones, who remember the victim as a bright and loving individual taken too soon.
The Burnett County District Attorney’s Office issued a statement thanking all the first responders, investigators, and court officials who worked diligently to bring the case to resolution.
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