Athens Man Charged With the Death of a Stanley Woman Appears in Taylor County Court

Thursday, August 10th, 2023 -- 10:00 AM

An Athens man charged with the death of a 51-year-old Stanley woman appeared in Taylor County Court on Wednesday.

According to court records, on January 11th, the Taylor County Sheriff’s Department and fire and ambulance services responded to a home a t N44 Clark Drive in the Town of Maplehurst, about 40 miles north of Marshfield, in Taylor County for a report of a fire with injuries.

Matthew Zarins escaped a homemade structure made from an old camper frame that was on fire. 51-year-old Jennifer Johnson of Stanley also escaped, but she was severely burned. She later died from her injuries. Firefighters later determined the structure was being used to create methamphetamine.

Zarins is facing charges of homicide by negligent handling of dangerous weapon/explosive, manufacture/deliver amphetamine, possession of methamphetamine precursors, maintain drug trafficking place, and knowingly possess methamphetamine waste. During his status hearing on Wednesday, he entered a not guilty plea to the charges against him.

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