Man accused of killing his 2 young sons in police chase pleads not guilty to all charges

By: CBS 58 Newsroom

Posted: Feb 5, 2024 12:49 PM CST

WAUKESHA COUNTY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A 29-year-old Milwaukee man, accused of fleeing police, crashing a vehicle and killing his two young sons, pleaded not guilty in court on Monday, Feb. 5.

Paul Vinson is charged with:

Vehicle operator flee/elude officer resulting in the death of another (two counts)
Vehicle operator flee/elude officer resulting in great bodily harm (three counts)
Knowingly operate motor vehicle without a valid license - cause death (two counts)
Knowingly operate motor vehicle without a valid license - cause great bodily harm (three counts)
Possession of THC (2nd offense)
Sale/possess/use/transport machine guns
Possess firearm-convicted of a felony
Injury by use/vehicle-control substance (three counts)
Homicide by vehicle use-control substance (two counts)

Vinson, according to Waukesha County officials, had warrants out for his arrest prior to the crash.

The incident took place on Wednesday, Dec. 20. Officials say deputies attempted to pull over the driver for speeding near Prospect Avenue and I-94. The driver did not stop and fled at a high rate of speed before crashing near Golf Road, just east of Greywood Lane.

The driver's two 10-year-old sons were pronounced dead on the scene.

See Also Milwaukee man faces 10 felony counts for crash that killed 2 boys in Waukesha County

See Also 2 young boys dead, now identified, 4 others hurt in pursuit that ended in crash in Waukesha County

Three others were also injured in the crash, two of them being children.

According to a criminal complaint, while in the hospital, Vinson stat4ed he did not remember the crash. He allegedly stated, he only remembered being on the scene of the crash and arriving at the hospital.

The complaint says the group was traveling from Minnesota to Milwaukee, after spending the day at Mall of America. When asked if he had anything to drink, Vinson allegedly said he was unsure. When asked if Vinson smoked marijuana, he allegedly stated he smoke marijuana the previous day -- and that he smokes marijuana daily.

After reviewing Vinson's driving record, it was learned he never had a valid driver's license and did not possess a valid license the day of the crash.

Officials say Vinson had 12 prior convictions for operating while suspended between 2013 and 2022.

In court Monday, Feb. 5, Vinson pleaded not guilty to all 18 counts. He was bound over for trial. Vinson's next court hearing is set for March 18.