Waukesha Man Gets 12 Years Prison for Drug-Related Homicides

Kevin S. Cobus will spend 12 years in prison for the fatal drug overdoses of two Waukesha County residents, Judge William Domina decided Monday afternoon.

The sentence in the deaths of Jamie L. Hansen, 24, of Muskego, and Cody C. Riggs, 26, of Delafield, in July 2011 and January 2012, respectively, came two days before Cobus’ 28th birthday.

Hansen and Riggs both overdosed on heroin after driving to Milwaukee to obtain the drug. Riggs also used oxycodone before he died.

Cobus was found guilty on two counts of first-degree reckless homicide in April following a three-day jury trial.

Cobus’ attorney was asking for probation or a three to four year prison sentencing, arguing that many people played a role in the deaths of Hansen and Riggs. Cobus, a heroin addict, apologized to the families – only the Hansen’s parents were present – and said he’s been clean from heroin after being taken into custody more than a year ago.

On a daily basis, Cobus said he questions why Riggs and Hansen died and not him.

“The world lost two very special individuals,” Cobus said. “I was very close with both of them. … Jamie and Cody were like family to me.”

Friends will play multiple roles in obtaining drugs for each other ebcasue they all know what it is like to go through withdrawls, which is what happened before Hansen and Riggs died, Cobus told Domina.

“What I did was make a phone call,” Cobus said. “I am not a drug dealer.”

Cobus’ behavior displayed “arrogance,” said Domina while passing down the sentence.

“You played a very important and key role ,” Domina said. “You were a connecter. You may not want to see it this way. The reality is they are calling you for a reason. They are calling you because you connect. … You are enjoying a takeaway from it. You get a fix. You were using that relationship in a way to benefit yourself. It was very selfish on multiple occasions.”

Hansen’s death should have been a signal to Cobus to stop helping friends score drugs. Instead, six months later another Waukesha County resident overdosed after purchasing heroin with Cobus, Domina said.

“I am surprised you are still here, using cocaine at age 15 ... huffing, heroin – substances that are shockingly controlling that you have been exposed to for a long period of time,” Domina said.

Hansen’s parents spoke about their daughter in court. Hansen was making plans to move north to escape the drug scene when she died, they told Domina.

“My heart was broken because of the actions of one person,” Hansen’s father John Orlando said in court. “I will never have the joy of walking my daughter down the aisle. … Her future was stolen from her. For us who survived, our memories are all we have.”

Riggs family was not present in court for the sentencing hearing.