Waukesha Parade Massacre: Jury holds Darrell Brooks guilty of all 76 charges, sentencing scheduled
WAUKESHA, WISCONSIN: Darrell Brooks, the Waukesha parade killer has been held guilty by the jury in Waukesha County of all 76 charges against him. This comprises six counts of first-degree intentional homicide, as his dramatic trial has come to an end. The 12-member jury passed their judgment on the 40-year-old accused of murdering six people at the parade and a series of charges for "recklessly endangering safety" as he used a dangerous weapon.
Brooks was seen burying his head in his hands as the first count was read. A person in the court, assumed to be a family member of one of the victims screamed, “Burn in hell you piece of sh**.” The man was walked out of the court before the judge continued to read out the 76 charges against Brooks.
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The 18-day trial was full of bizarre moments, where Brooks who represented himself was seen taking his shirt off and holding up signs during the trial. He also infamously gave the judge a "stare-down" which the judge called disrespectful, and added that it "makes me scared." However, Brooks continued to stare at the judge while banging his fists on the table, reported Daily Mail.
The jury took around three hours to find Brooks guilty of all 76 counts. Judge Jennifer Dorow had scheduled a hearing on Monday, October 31 where the sentence will be announced and the victims’ families will be given the chance to speak. “It was a brief moment of relief," said Laurie Hogeland, a friend to many parade victims told the press present outside the court. “But, then all the pain comes back. The pain comes back," she added.
Waukesha Mayor Shawn Reilly said in an official statement, “I am thankful that the jury found the defendant guilty on all counts. We can now re-focus on taking steps forward as a community and continue the healing process.” Police Chief Dan Thompson responded too to the jury’s judgment, “In the nearly one year since this tragedy, there has not been a day that our community has not grieved. The victims' families as well as our first responders continue to deal with the lasting effects of the horrors of that day.” He further said, “We are grateful for the support that has come from all over the world and we ask you to continue to keep all those involved in your prayers.”
Brooks mowed down several people with his SUV into the annual Christmas parade in Waukesha, Wisconsin November 21, 2021. The guilty will be serving life in prison whereas the official sentencing will be made on October 31.