GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The man accused of attacking a woman on a De Pere recreational trail is expected to be convicted Wednesday.
Miles Cruz, now 18, faces five charges, including attempted first-degree intentional homicide, for the Oct. 5, 2021 incident on the East River Trail.
A plea questionnaire and waiver of rights form was filed with the court Tuesday, and a plea hearing added to the calendar for Wednesday afternoon. Cruz is expected to plead no contest to first-degree sexual assault, strangulation, second-degree recklessly endangering safety, and kidnapping, court documents show.
If convicted of all four charges, Cruz would face up to 116 years in the prison system. Prosecutors would cap their recommendation at 40 years in prison and 15 years of extended supervision, according to court records. The defense could argue for whatever term it deems appropriate. The judge is not bound by those recommendations.
A sentencing date is likely to be scheduled at today’s hearing.
Cruz is currently scheduled to stand trial starting Monday.
Under Wisconsin law, 17-year-olds are prosecuted in adult court for criminal cases. The incident happened on Cruz’s 17th birthday.
The plea deal comes about two months after Judge Tammy Jo Hock ruled DNA evidence tying Cruz to the scene would be allowed at trial.
According to the criminal complaint, the victim was walking on the trail with her son Oct. 5 when the attack happened. Prosecutors allege Cruz put a sweatshirt over the victim’s head, pulling her backwards. The victim told police she fought to get away, but the attacker squeezed her neck, causing her to lose consciousness. However, she did remember being sexually assaulted.
Police found Cruz’s backpack in the area, and later found him, as well. He said he had slept in a nearby park in Allouez. DNA evidence tied Cruz to the victim.
