Otha Franklin
WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — A man accused of providing the drugs that led to a fatal overdose five years ago will not go to trial next week as planned.
Otha Franklin was scheduled for a week-long trial beginning Monday. However, during a scheduling conference on July 23rd, it was rescheduled for February 16th, 2026.
Investigators say Franklin and the victim were taking drugs during a house party in the summer of 2020. When the man started having a seizure, Franklin allegedly discouraged others from calling for help, saying it was likely due to a mix of drugs in the pills.
The victim died at the scene. Autopsy results showed a toxic mix of drugs in his system.
Franklin was arrested in 2024 in Milwaukee County and faces multiple drug-related felony counts, including reckless homicide by delivering drugs. The 47-year-old is also facing charges for possession of cocaine, obstructing an officer, possession of a stolen firearm, and burglary. Those cases have been cross-referenced with the reckless homicide charges.
The case was previously scheduled for a possible plea hearing in July, which fell apart at the last minute. The case has also been scheduled for trial a handful of times, only to be pushed back.
The new timeline includes a jury status hearing on February 2nd. If found guilty on the homicide count, Franklin faces up to 40 years in prison. He’s being held in the Marathon County Jail on a $100,000 bond.
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