An Iowa County judge has sentenced a Dodgeville man to life in prison for the death of his grandmother. 29 year old Philip Schmidt-Way will be eligible to apply for extended supervision after 20 years. Schmidt-Way and his father, Aric Way, were convicted in December 2023 of first-degree intentional homicide in the July 2021 death of their grandmother and mother, Diana Way. Aric Way was sentenced in February to life in prison without the possibility for release. He plans to appeal the decision. Reports say the two took several steps to stop Diana Way from selling her farm, ultimately including her death. Prosecutors said the father and son used drain cleaning and beekeeping chemicals to poison her. Schmidt-Way’s conviction was nearly thrown out at sentencing after a juror’s competency was brought into question. However, the judge denied a defense motion and proceeded with sentencing.
