Dylan Michael Lenz, a 19-year-old man from Wisconsin, has entered a no contest plea to charges of attempted first-degree intentional homicide. The plea was part of a deal reached with prosecutors on Monday, in which Lenz acknowledged that the evidence against him was likely sufficient for a conviction, without formally admitting guilt.
Lenz was charged with the attempted homicide using a dangerous weapon. Other charges, including aggravated battery, first-degree reckless injury, hit and run causing severe bodily harm, and misdemeanor battery, were dismissed but considered during the proceedings, as per court records.
The incident in question took place on October 15, 2022, when Lenz was 17 years old. He is alleged to have met a 17-year-old girl on Snapchat, picked her up, and taken her to a Walmart in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. Investigators believe Lenz had a premeditated plan for his actions.
Lenz reportedly confessed to a detective from the Beaver Dam Police Department that he had lost control and acted on impulse. He is said to have admitted to stabbing the girl with a box cutter, ejecting her from his car, and then running over her multiple times.
When questioned about his motives, Lenz allegedly told investigators that he was plagued by “really bad thoughts.” The victim was found by police at the scene, groaning in pain and struggling to breathe. Lenz was apprehended later that same night.
Lenz’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 12. He is currently being held at the Dodge County Jail.