Wisconsin judge orders $250,000 bond for New Years fatal hit-and-run suspect

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A Wisconsin judge ordered $250,000 in bond for Jatziel Manuel Pabon Encarnacion on Tuesday. He was arrested for felony hit and run causing great bodily harm.

Encarnacion was arrested by the Fond du Lac County Sheriff‘s Office January 1, 2024.

In addition, non-monetary conditions were ordered, including no contact with various witnesses and alcohol related conditions, according to authorities.

The bond hearing was held at Encarnacion’s request and the judge granted the state’s request for the $250,000 in bond.

The Fond du Lac County District Attorney’s Office received investigative reports the morning of January 9, 2024 and has begun reviewing the matter for any potential charges.

Authorities said no additional information will be released unless or until a criminal complaint is filed.

As previously reported by the Wisconsin Law Journal, authorities are seeking help from the public investigating the death of 19-year-old Taya Grimes who was killed New Years Eve after being thrown from her car after driving into the ditch off of U.S. Highway 45. Authorities said a second vehicle dragged her body three miles from the crash scene, witnesses then fled the scene.

“We have not had the cooperation from everyone involved that we would have expected and hoped for in a tragedy like this,” said Fond du Lac County Sheriff Ryan F. Waldschmidt during a Friday press conference.

“Lack of cooperation began even before were on the scene when people and vehicles chose to leave that scene rather than remain there and help those were injured,” Waldschmidt noted.

“There are people at both the crash scenes and the party who are not cooperating,” Waldschmidt added.

Officials announced Friday that second individual may have been struck by a vehicle, which is under investigation.

Call for the public to help

“If you were out there and you have information. If you were at the party or somebody said something to you, please contact the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s office,” said Fond du Lac County District Attorney Eric Toney said at Friday’s press conference.

“Do not assume they already have that information. There are a lot of things they are still trying to track down,” Toney added.

Echoing the sentiments of Toney, Waldschmidt asked for people to come forward who have any information about the New Years Eve incidents.

“We know there are more individuals out there who can provide information about the party, this initial crash and the secondary crash … we’ve had many come forward already and are asking that anyone who has not yet come forward reach out to us and ask to speak to an investigator about what you know,” said Waldschmidt.

Anyone with information should immediately contact Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s dispatch at 920-929-3390 and ask to speak to a crash investigator. 

For those who wish to share information anonymously the Fond du Lac County tip line is available by calling 920-906-4777.