Darrell Brooks Found Guilty of First-Degree Intentional Homicide for Driving SUV Through Waukesha Christmas Parade
On Wednesday, a jury found Darrell Brooks guilty of six counts of first-degree intentional homicide for speeding his SUV into a Christmas parade in Waukesha, Wisconsin, last year, killing six people and injuring dozens more.
Brooks, who has a lengthy rap sheet of past crimes, was found guilty on a total of 76 charges, including multiple counts of first-degree recklessly endangering the safety of others with a dangerous weapon.
The massacre, which took place on November 21, 2021, resulted in the deaths of 79-year-old Virginia Sorenson, 52-year-old Jane Kulich, 71-year-old LeAnna Owen, 52-year-old Tamara Durand, and 81-year-old Wilhelm Hospel. One child, Jackson Sparks, 8, was also killed while marching in the parade with the Waukesha Blazers little-league baseball team, The Christian Post reports.
At least 61 others were injured when Brooks sped his vehicle into the parade without stopping or slowing down.
According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, city officials expressed gratitude for the decision.
“I am thankful that the jury found the defendant guilty on all counts,” Waukesha Mayor Shawn Reilly said. “We can now re-focus on taking steps forward as a community and continue the healing process.”
“The defendant’s despicable actions caused heartbreaking loss and pain. I am grateful to the many people who ensured that he was convicted and will face the consequences for his heinous crimes,” Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul tweeted Wednesday following the ruling.
“My thoughts are with the people of Waukesha, who have responded to this horrific attack with such incredible resolve, unity, and strength,” he added.
My thoughts are with the people of Waukesha, who have responded to this horrific attack with such incredible resolve, unity, and strength.
— Attorney General Josh Kaul (@WisDOJ) October 26, 2022
The city also released a statement that reads, in part, “As a community, we still have a long road ahead filled with difficult days. This will be especially true as we approach the one-year anniversary of the tragedy. However, as we have experienced the past year, we know that when we stand together, we remain Waukesha Strong.”
Related:
5 Killed, More Than 40 Injured after SUV Plows through Christmas Parade in Wisconsin
Restaurant Raises over $14,000 for Families of Waukesha Christmas Parade Victims
Photo courtesy: ©Getty Images/Jim Vondruska/Stringer
Milton Quintanilla is a freelance writer. He is also the co-hosts of the For Your Soul podcast, which seeks to equip the church with biblical truth and sound doctrine. Visit his blog Blessed Are The Forgiven.
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