Greenfield Man Accused Of Drinking Before Crash That Killed 4-Year-Old

GREENFIELD, WI — A Greenfield man is facing a charge of first-degree reckless homicide after police say he crashed his Mitsubishi Outlander into the back of another vehicle on June 15 in West Allis, killing a 4-year-old.

Thomas M. McIntyre, 26, is also facing charges of first-degree reckless injury and first-degree recklessly endangering safety in connection with the crash, online court records show. If convicted of the homicide charge, McIntyre could face up to 60 years in prison.

The crash happened in the 2800 block of South 108th Street. Police found a Buick Verano with damage on its rear and the Mitsubishi with damage on its front, according to the complaint. Three people were in the Buick, including a 4-year-old child, the complaint said.

When police searched the crashed Buick, they saw the driver slipping in and out of consciousness and several bystanders helping the passenger, the complaint said.

Police found the child in a car seat in the back passenger area, pinned against the rear seat with red markings and trauma on his neck, and police tried to help — but the child later died of his injuries, according to the criminal complaint.

Surveillance footage showed the Buick making a U-turn on a green light, the complaint said. Shortly after the car turns around, the video showed the Mitsubish speeding through the intersection and slamming into the back of the Buick, according to the complaint.

According to police, people who witnessed the crash saw the Mitsubishi going between 80-120 mph.

McIntyre told police after the crash he thought he was going "over 100" and that he drank "about 8 to 9 shots 45 minutes ago," according to the complaint.

McIntyre told police he was driving fast because he wanted to take his own life, according to the complaint. He said he didn't want to hit another vehicle, but wanted to find a place to crash, the complaint said.