The 40-year-old Waukesha Christmas parade killer Darrell Brooks, has been found guilty of six intentional first-degree homicide counts.
In a trial involving the deaths of six people and the injuries of many more, Brooks was also found guilty of a plethora of additional crimes, including Wisconsin’s equivalent of murder.
Before the jury was called, Brooks raised a number of objections regarding “subject matter jurisdiction.” The jury was invited to return by Judge Jennifer Dorow. Dorow claimed that Brooks made several requests for documents, which were acknowledged and rejected.
The verdict was reached following a 23-day trial during which the self-represented defendant was repeatedly dismissed from the courtroom for disruptive behavior.
He questioned the credibility of the witnesses who were testifying, made pointless objections, and at one point went on a 50-minute rant in which he claimed that the court was biased and that he had not been able to “meet his accuser.”
Victims of Waukesha Christmas parade killer Darrell Brooks
8-year-old Jackson Sparks, 52-year-old Tamara Durand, 52-year-old Jane Kulich, 71-year-old LeAnna Owen, 79-year-old Virginia Sorenson and 81-year-old Wilhelm were the paradegoers who Brooks killed on November 21, 2021.
The jury began deliberations on Tuesday evening and requested a number of exhibits, including the map that shows where the victims and police officers were when the attack occurred, a photo of Brooks’ ex-girlfriend Erika Patterson, and surveillance footage that reveals Milwaukee Dancing Grannies members being struck by the SUV in the attack.
Brooks objected. He was overruled by Judge Dorow. At 8 p.m. CT, the jury adjourned for the evening; they returned Wednesday morning.
Sue Opper, the district attorney for Waukesha, stated in closing remarks on Monday that Brooks had shown an “utter disregard for human life” and that “overwhelming evidence” had been presented at the trial that supported a conviction.
In his final argument, Brooks acknowledged being the driver of the SUV, but he denied driving to hurt anyone. He maintained that honking his horn was evidence of his lack of intent. Brooks pleaded with the jurors to find him innocent.
Brooks has a history of criminal activity dating back to 1999, including convictions for domestic violence, child sex crimes, drugs, and more.
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