Verdict: Mom found not guilty in deadly Wis. crash

ELLSWORTH, Wis. (KMSP) - Kari Milberg was found not guilty on all counts in the December 12, 2013 crash that killed three children, including her own daughter, in western Wisconsin. 

Milberg was on trial in Pierce County, Wis. for homicide by negligent operation of a motor vehicle for the crash that killed her 11-year-old daughter and two young nieces. Prosecutors allege Milberg was sending Facebook messages in the moments before the accident. The defense counters this wasn’t distracted driving, but a combination of bad winter conditions and a horrible set of tires.

Prosecutors rested their case at about 11:15 a.m. Wednesday, and minutes later the defense did the same.

Wednesday morning, the state crash reconstruction expert took the stand, testifying that the pavement along Wisconsin Highway 35 was dry. The defense effectively raised questions about slippery roads and poor tire tread as contributing factors, but the reconstructionist doesn't believe weather or road conditions were a factor in the crash.

DAY 1 RECAP - Prosecutor: 27-seconds between Facebook message, 911 call in crash that killed 3 kids

DAY 2 RECAP - First look at Facebook messages before deadly crash