A jury in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin, convicted 34-year-old Miguel Aponte of first-degree intentional homicide and felony bail jumping in the March 2023 killing of 49-year-old Laeng Sanavongsay.
Case Details
Sanavongsay’s body was discovered in the back seat of a rented Chevy Malibu abandoned along County Highway C in Grafton, north of Milwaukee. He had duct tape over his mouth, binding marks on his wrists, and a gunshot wound to the head; the vehicle showed burn damage and smoke residue from a short-lived interior fire.
Investigation Evidence
The victim rented the car at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport the previous day, and his phone’s last call linked to a Milwaukee auto repair shop. Cell data and FBI CODIS database DNA from the car, Sanavongsay’s hand, and a shop mattress matched Aponte, who initially denied knowing the victim before admitting presence at the scene with others.
Trial Outcome
Aponte was acquitted of attempting to mutilate a corpse; prosecutors dropped a false imprisonment charge. DA Ben Lindsay indicated Aponte likely had accomplices, but no others face charges. Sheriff Christy Knowles noted the rural dump site was opportunistic.
Next Steps
Sentencing is scheduled for March 9, 2026, with life imprisonment possible for the homicide conviction.
