Greenfield man charged in crash that killed 65-year-old Milwaukee man
Shawn Graika
MILWAUKEE -- 21-year-old Shawn Graika of Greenfield was charged on Monday, June 20th with a felony count of homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle. This, in connection with a crash that killed 65-year-old Oscar Balli of Milwaukee along S. 76th St. on Sunday, April 17th.
An investigation into the crash revealed Balli’s vehicle had pulled out of the parking lot of the Barnes ‘n Noble store just north of Edgerton Ave. when the crash happened that Sunday evening.
The striking vehicle, allegedly driven by Graika, was headed southbound on S. 76th Street when it struck the victim's vehicle after it had pulled out of the lot. Police say Balli was trapped in his vehicle with significant injuries. Once extricated, he was taken to Froedtert Hospital where he later died.
As for Graika, officials say he suffered minor injuries.
Police say speed is believed to be a factor in this crash. Graika told police "he believed he was going 45 miles per hour" at the time of the crash. But after a collision analysis, the Wisconsin State Patrol noted "Graika was traveling 73 miles per hour (more than double the speed limit) two seconds prior to the crash." That information was downloaded from Graika's vehicle.
The criminal complaint also notes that "Graika had a suspended driver's license at the time of the traffic related incident."
If convicted, Graika faces up to ten years in prison and $25,000 in fines.