Joshua Wirgau Receives Sentence for his Role in the Deaths of Brynn Bills and Abby Hill

The first of two men involved in the deaths of Brynn Bills and Abby Hill in 2021 has been sentenced for his part in the crimes.

Alpena man Joshua Wirgau was in court on Thursday and offered a statement to the families of the victims. He said that he was sorry for his actions and is ready to accept responsibility.

That sentiment fell flat as statements from the families showed no forgiveness and asking for the maximum penalty. Judge Ed Black said that he did not see any remorse from Wirgau before he passed the sentence of 15 to 30 years with involuntary manslaughter being his biggest charge.

The sentence is part of a plea deal struck with prosecutors for his cooperation in the trial of Brad Srebnik.

Alpena County Prosecutor Cynthia Muszynski said after sentencing that without Wirgau’s testimony, convicting Srebnik would have been much more difficult. “We felt as though his testimony, which was not going to be given for free, was pivotal in ensuring that the whole story as to what happened to these two individuals was able to be brought forward and that the other individual was convicted and will serve life in prison,” she said.

Srebnik is scheduled to be sentenced on April 1.