Waukesha County district seeks to file initial charges against the suspect involved in the Wisconsin Christmas parade incident that saw 5 deaths and 40 injured on Sunday – a statement released from Waukesha County District Attorney’s Office.
“We are working closely with the City of Waukesha Police Department to review the matter and decide what criminal charges will be issued. Initial charges are expected to be filed tomorrow,” the statement reads.
“Additional charges will be considered at a later time, as the investigation unfolds and the full extent of injuries is known.”
Moreover, the District Attorney’s Office offered its condolences to the victims of the attack that took place on Sunday during the Christmas parade in Waukesha.
“This tragedy has affected our entire community. We would like to acknowledge the work of the men and women in law enforcement who have done a tremendous job to save lives and protect our community,” the statement says.
As per the latest reports received, the suspect has been identified as a 39-year-old, Darrell E. Brooks, a Milwaukee, Wisconsin resident. He is expected to appear for a court trial on Tuesday at 5:00 pm.
The suspect will be charged with five counts of intentional homicide in the upcoming court trial, which will be available for public view via live stream.
Victims’ names:
- Mr. Wilhelm Hospel, 81
- Ms. Virginia Sorenson, 79
- Ms. LeAnna Owen, 71
- Ms. Tamara Durand, 52
- Ms. Jane Kulich, 52
These are members of Milwaukee Dancing Grannies and regular fixture performers in the Wisconsin city parade.
In a statement on Facebook, the group wrote, “Our group was doing what they loved, performing in front of crowds in a parade putting smiles on faces of all ages.”
“Those who died were extremely passionate Grannies.”
Those who got injured were immediately shifted to local facilities by first responders. Out of the 40 counts, 18 were children who were instantly admitted to the hospital – reported children’s Wisconsin pediatric hospital on Monday.
Criminal record of suspect Darrell E. Brooks:
Earlier this month, Darrell E. Brooks was released from jail on $1000 bail. The amount had been kept “inappropriately low” – documented Milwaukee County District Attorney’s office on Monday.
Brooks was previously charged with domestic violence, which originated from the incident that saw the suspect chasing a woman over with his car while she was at a gas station’s parking area.
Prosecutors filed charges against the suspect for “obstructing an officer; second-degree recklessly endangering safety with domestic abuse assessments; disorderly conduct with domestic abuse assessments; and misdemeanor battery with domestic abuse assessments” – criminal complaint reads.
