Gordon Charles Laakso, 71, from New Richmond, Wisconsin, was sentenced Friday in St. Croix County Circuit Court to 14 years in prison plus six years of probation for first-degree reckless homicide in the strangulation death of his 68-year-old wife, Mary Laakso.
On March 2, police responded to a domestic disturbance call after Gordon made concerning statements suggesting he harmed Mary, who had been rambling at him for hours and allegedly hit him, leading to a fatal altercation. Officers found him at their home on Bluff Border Road but not Mary; her body was soon discovered dumped on the edge of a rural Polk County cornfield, with bloody gloves and firearms found inside.
Gordon admitted to police he knew she was dead, panicked instead of seeking medical help, and disposed of her body, later expressing surprise that it hadn’t been found yet. He pleaded guilty in September, with original charges of intentional homicide, strangulation, and hiding a corpse reduced via plea deal.
New Richmond Police credited outstanding investigation for the strong case, offering condolences to Mary’s family and hoping sentencing provides resolution. At his age, the sentence likely means lifelong incarceration.
This case illustrates the tragic escalation of domestic disputes among long-term couples and the importance of swift police response to welfare concerns.
