By Brandi Makuski

A Tigerton woman is facing homicide charges after allegedly crashing into a couple from Antigo while driving under the influence on State Hwy. 49 Saturday.

Billie Jo McSherry. (Courtesy Portage Co. Jail)

According to the Portage Co. Sheriff’s Office, 29-year-old Bille Jo McSherry, from Tigerton, was driving a Buick sedan eastbound on Hwy. 49 when, according to investigators, she crossed the center-line on a curve, striking the motorcycle head-on.

A nine-year-old girl was in the vehicle with McSherry. The child was treated and released from a nearby hospital.

McSherry was treated for injuries as well, then arrested by deputies on initial charges of homicide by intoxicated use of a motor vehicle. More charges are expected.

The motorcycle operator, Robert Korhonen, 48 from Antigo, died at the scene after being thrown from the bike. His passenger, Stacey Zarda, 25, also from Antigo, was also thrown from the motorcycle. She was transported by helicopter to Aspirus Hospital with critical injuries.

McSherry is expected to make her initial appearance in Portage County Circuit Court Monday afternoon.

The crash remains under investigation by the Portage Co. Sheriff’s Office, and is being assisted by the
Wisconsin State Patrol’s Technical Reconstruction Unit. Also assisting with the crash were the Portage County Ambulance, Portage County Coroner, Rosholt Fire Department, Amherst Traffic Incident Management Team, Stevens Point Police Department, Rosholt Area First Responders, Sharon EMS, and Waupaca County Sheriff’s Office.