A Fond du Lac man who struck and killed a retired Wauwatosa priest earlier this year will not go to prison. Instead, 24‑year‑old Clay Schueffner was sentenced Friday to four years of probation for a February 2024 crash that killed 93‑year‑old Father David Gau as he crossed Wisconsin Avenue near 103rd Street in Wauwatosa. Schueffner pleaded no contest to homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle and told the court he was deeply sorry.
Sentence and courtroom reaction
In Milwaukee County Circuit Court, Judge David Borowski ordered four years of supervised probation and 200 hours of community service, with at least 100 of those hours spent giving school presentations about distracted driving, according to CBS 58. The judge called the crash “one dumb mistake,” while prosecutors pushed the court to recognize that Gau’s death was preventable.
Phone data and courtroom video
Prosecutors presented surveillance footage that was frozen just before impact and introduced cellphone data they say shows Schueffner opened a Snapchat message and took multiple selfies seconds before the collision, according to TMJ4. Court records stated that Schueffner was driving over the posted speed limit, and investigators reported finding no evidence that he braked before hitting Father Gau.
Intersection changes and community reaction
After Gau’s death, the city installed quick‑build curb extensions at the Wisconsin Avenue and 103rd Street crossing to shorten the distance for people on foot and improve sight lines, the Department of Public Works told reporters, according to WISN. Leaders at St. Camillus and nearby residents had been pushing for safety upgrades since the crash, and officials said the changes are intended to lower the chances of another similar tragedy.
Legal note
Schueffner’s no contest plea resulted in a felony conviction for homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle. That charge can carry substantial prison time and fines, depending on the case, according to TMJ4. Under the probation terms, he will remain under court supervision while completing the required community service and educational outreach on distracted driving.
