Good morning from a snowy #Waukesha
Today is the first of a two-day sentencing hearing for #DarrellBrooks
He faces six mandatory life sentences plus 859 years for killing six and injuring more than 60 when he drove into the #WaukeshaChristmasParade last year @SpectrumNews1WI
Today is the first of a two-day sentencing hearing for #DarrellBrooks
He faces six mandatory life sentences plus 859 years for killing six and injuring more than 60 when he drove into the #WaukeshaChristmasParade last year @SpectrumNews1WI
#DarrellBrooks has nine people who are expected to speak on his behalf.
The state has 45.
Each speaker gets 5 minutes
Judge Jennifer Dorow said there will be a hearing tomorrow even if everything is finished today so she has time to digest all of the statements
The state has 45.
Each speaker gets 5 minutes
Judge Jennifer Dorow said there will be a hearing tomorrow even if everything is finished today so she has time to digest all of the statements
#DarrellBrooks said he expects his mom, grandmother, and mother of his youngest daughter to speak. That daughter is 8 y/o
DA Opper: “obviously there could have been thousands of people” who could speak in court today who were directly impacted
The state has 45 speakers divided into 3 or 4 groups. Also submitting written statements #DarrellBrooks
The state has 45 speakers divided into 3 or 4 groups. Also submitting written statements #DarrellBrooks
"This court is going to be astounded to hear" the nature of the injuries.
Said this will be different and new information than presented at trial.
Said this will be different and new information than presented at trial.
Minors who give a statement will not have faces shown unless parents allow.
First speaker: Lori Lockett speaking firectly to #DarrellBrooks “you never gave me a chance. I turned around and it was only seconds before you hit me square on”
“I’m healing as best I can, but you took away my peace and my trust.”
“I’m healing as best I can, but you took away my peace and my trust.”
#DarrellBrooks was rolling his eyes. He’s not paying attention, just looking at his Bible.
Second Speaker had 8 broken ribs, bruised lung, spent 3 nights in ICU
“I was lucky.”
“I was lucky.”
This is Bill Mitchell.
He thanks the jury, the judge, prosecutors, etc. who had to watch the carnage from that night.
He thanks the jury, the judge, prosecutors, etc. who had to watch the carnage from that night.
"He is a unique individual. Who can have a clear conscience" after running over kids? - Mitchell #DarrellBrooks
Said he had a lack of empathy. Said his only regrets was that he was caught. Said someone so self centered would hurt other people again.
(Brook shakes his head.)
Said he had a lack of empathy. Said his only regrets was that he was caught. Said someone so self centered would hurt other people again.
(Brook shakes his head.)
Mitchell said he hopes #DarrellBrooks uses the Bible "as more than a courtroom prop."
"Today the court will hear what the trial was about. The victims."
Asks for Brooks to be kept away from society forever.
Brooks claps.
Asks for Brooks to be kept away from society forever.
Brooks claps.
Third speaker is also with Catholic Communities of Waukesha. His name is Jason, (unsure how to spell his last name)
"You nearly took my life."
"You nearly took my life."
“You stole our innocence that day.”
"Because of your actions, I was out of work for about six weeks, and then I had to go back part time because of my sustained injuries. Because of YOUR actions."
- Jason. #DarrellBrooks
- Jason. #DarrellBrooks
Jason is telling #DarrellBrooks "because of YOUR actions" his children were afraid of sirens, red SUVs, etc.
He's stressing "Because of YOUR actions"
He's stressing "Because of YOUR actions"
"During this trial, you showed no remorse. It makes you look like a monster." - Jason
#DarrellBrooks laughs.
Jason said that Brooks treated witnesses during trial poorly.
"Despite what you did to my community, I forgive you." but said he must go to prison.
#DarrellBrooks laughs.
Jason said that Brooks treated witnesses during trial poorly.
"Despite what you did to my community, I forgive you." but said he must go to prison.
Another victim is giving her statement to the court. Said her mind doesn’t let her see what happened when she was hit. Just remembers nurse asking how she was
"all the months of suffering... I was worried the pain would remind me forever the choices #DarrellBrooks made"
Said she felt isolated during advent and Christmas season.
"Every day I was reminded I was limited by physical pain and loss of self."
Said she felt isolated during advent and Christmas season.
"Every day I was reminded I was limited by physical pain and loss of self."
"After today, I will not let your actions take over my live. I will move on."
Calls the court to give the maximum sentence for each count.
Calls the court to give the maximum sentence for each count.
Jeff Rogers of the Waukesha Blazers is now up.
Said he debated giving statement, but felt his voice needed to be heard.
Said #DarrelBrooks has not shown remorse.
Said he debated giving statement, but felt his voice needed to be heard.
Said #DarrelBrooks has not shown remorse.
Brooks continues to roll his eyes.
Rogers said the joy of parades is gone from his kids, and #DarrellBrooks dragged victims through the events through his drawn out trial because he would take what was coming to him "like a man"
Rogers said the joy of parades is gone from his kids, and #DarrellBrooks dragged victims through the events through his drawn out trial because he would take what was coming to him "like a man"
Rogers said he just recently apologized to his daughter for not being able to find her right away. Said the moment of grabbing one's jacket runs through his mind often.
Said his kids wake up often in the night after hearing noises, not feeling safe because of #DarrellBrooks
Said his kids wake up often in the night after hearing noises, not feeling safe because of #DarrellBrooks
Rogers said he went from giving speeches on FB live about how cool the baseball facility was, to speaking at #JacksonSparks' funeral.
"My faith was challenged over the past year" but said now it's stronger than ever.
"My faith was challenged over the past year" but said now it's stronger than ever.
Jessica Gonzalez is speaking now. Also with the Waukesha Blazers
“Mama I’m here. I was on the other side” she said she remembers her son saying as she found her son, unharmed.
“Mama I’m here. I was on the other side” she said she remembers her son saying as she found her son, unharmed.
Gonzalez: "I felt like I was punched in the stomach when I realized thee SUV came from the direction of my son's group."
Found Jackson Sparks first. "I knew he was hurt badly."
Found Jackson Sparks first. "I knew he was hurt badly."
"I screamed hysterically, searching frantically. I Heard 'mom' from so many directions, but it wasn't him. Finally, it was."
"Mama, I'm here. I was on the other side."
Gonzalez is crying as she gives her statement.
"Mama, I'm here. I was on the other side."
Gonzalez is crying as she gives her statement.
"Yes I found my children unharmed, but after the pain and terror continued." - Gonzalez
"What does it feel like" going to a funeral for a kid your age?
"I hate that my kids know. I hate that I didn't get a chance to cheer on my son and Jackson during the baseball season last year. I hate that my son said it was weird having one less teammate." - Gonzalez
"I hate that my kids know. I hate that I didn't get a chance to cheer on my son and Jackson during the baseball season last year. I hate that my son said it was weird having one less teammate." - Gonzalez
#DarrellBrooks has his head down during Gonzalez’s statement.
She said she suffers from PTSD and only returned to work a month ago, but something quieter.
Said some days still feel like the #WaukeshaChristmasParade day
She said she suffers from PTSD and only returned to work a month ago, but something quieter.
Said some days still feel like the #WaukeshaChristmasParade day
Gonzalez said when #DarrellBrooks said he could have hit more, he was wrong. "He hit everyone."
Gonzalez: "Forgiveness is for accidents. #DarrellBrooks offers no remorse, but he did look for sympathy for himself."
Said she cannot forgive.
Brooks rolls his eyes and shakes his head again.
"Free, he is and always will be a danger to society."
Said she cannot forgive.
Brooks rolls his eyes and shakes his head again.
"Free, he is and always will be a danger to society."
Another speaker from the Waukesha Blazers. Lindsay Kunkel? (Unsure on spelling)
Said after the parade, her kids' next time wearing their baseball jerseys was to their teammate's funeral."
She previously lived at the house where #DarrellBrooks left his hoodie and sandal but had moved out a few months before. The child playhouse was her kids'
She previously lived at the house where #DarrellBrooks left his hoodie and sandal but had moved out a few months before. The child playhouse was her kids'
Sheri Sparks, Jackson Sparks’ mom, is now speaking. She’s with her young kids, so I assume that’s why she’s not being shown
#DarrellBrooks has his head down.
Sheri Sparks said she recognized Tucker's shoes when he was under a blanket.
Judge Dorow was just shown wiping her eyes with a tissue.
Sparks said both Tucker and Jackson has brain injuries.
Said she had to explain to her 12 y/o son that his little brother wasn't going to make it.
Said she had to explain to her 12 y/o son that his little brother wasn't going to make it.
Sparks said Tucker remembers everything up until the moment he was hit.
Said Tucker blamed himself for Jackson.
Said Tucker blamed himself for Jackson.
"His little brother was taken from him. He's suddenly an only child now." Sheri Sparks said of Tucker Sparks.
A lot of tears in court right now.
"We came so close to losing both of them that day."
"It hurts to breathe sometimes."
"I'm emotionally and mentally exhausted."
"It hurts to breathe sometimes."
"I'm emotionally and mentally exhausted."
Sheri Sparks said as a family of faith, they know #DarrellBrooks with face God someday, but while here, he needs to spend the rest of his life in prison.
Sheri Sparks: "He was 8. He will never hit a home run again. Ask a girl to prom."
We're taking a 10 minute break. @SpectrumNews1WI #DarrellBrooksTrial
We're back. Victim "LLL" is speaking. It's a young child.
Said they've been afraid of parades ever since the #WaukeshaChristmasParade and said they were afraid of getting candy at a different parade because of this.
Said they've been afraid of parades ever since the #WaukeshaChristmasParade and said they were afraid of getting candy at a different parade because of this.
Said their friends were texting if they were alive, said they didn't go to school the day after.
A statement is being read that was written by victim "KKK" -- a young boy who was hit by #DarrellBrooks
DA Opper is asking for a break "it's important."
DA Opper is asking for a break "it's important."
It's unclear, but it seems Opper saw something in the courtroom, but it's unclear what.
I'll keep you updated if/when I hear something.
I'll keep you updated if/when I hear something.
Apparently there were threats called into the dispatch center.
Nature of the threats are unclear. #DarrellBrooks
Nature of the threats are unclear. #DarrellBrooks
Things are pretty calm in and out of the courthouse. Some reporters have seen increased security at entrances but I just stepped out and didn’t see anything.
I just finished my update with @courtnygTv and did a walk around of the courthouse … again, it’s calm despite the reports of threats being called into the dispatch center #DarrellBrooks
Were still in recess @SpectrumNews1WI
Were still in recess @SpectrumNews1WI
@courtnygTv @SpectrumNews1WI Here was the moment DA Sue Opper asked for this recess.
We're beyond the hour mark now. This happened at 9:54 a.m.
Threats were apparently called into the dispatch center. Nature of the threats still unknown.
@SpectrumNews1WI
We're beyond the hour mark now. This happened at 9:54 a.m.
Threats were apparently called into the dispatch center. Nature of the threats still unknown.
@SpectrumNews1WI
@courtnygTv @SpectrumNews1WI And here is some video of #DarrellBrooks rolling his eyes during victim impact statements.
Judge Dorow now addressing that the sheriff's communication center received a threat to the court house.
Sheriff has assured her the building is "very secure" and has taken all reasonable measures to secure the courthouse.
Dorow said she will continue.
Sheriff has assured her the building is "very secure" and has taken all reasonable measures to secure the courthouse.
Dorow said she will continue.
#DarrellBrooks while Dorow addresses the threat and stoppage
Jennifer Dunn, Director of the Victim Witness Assistance Program, is reading another statement from the parents of victims LLL and KKK
#DarrellBrooks is rubbing his chest with his right hand in a circular motion. He’s looking at a book or some papers, Bible is open next to him
Brooks said he is taking notes and said there is confliction ... "Is victim KKK 8 or not?"
Dorow said she can't answer that.
He apologizes. "I was just taking notes."
Dorow said she can't answer that.
He apologizes. "I was just taking notes."
Kelly Grabow is now speaking. She also testified.
“I have never felt the hatred” for anyone than she has for #DarrellBrooks
“I have never felt the hatred” for anyone than she has for #DarrellBrooks
Grabow said there will always be monsters like #DarrellBrooks
Said she will always remember the look in her daughter's eyes after she was hit by Brooks.
"Hearing his voice made me cringe with disgust and anger"
Said she will always remember the look in her daughter's eyes after she was hit by Brooks.
"Hearing his voice made me cringe with disgust and anger"
Grabow said she's not sure her daughter will ever attend a parade again.
"Every day is a new chance to take back our lives. We are now stronger than we ever imagined, as a family and community."
said Brooks deserves to be sentenced to maximum time on each conviction
"Every day is a new chance to take back our lives. We are now stronger than we ever imagined, as a family and community."
said Brooks deserves to be sentenced to maximum time on each conviction
Brooks, again, is rolling his eyes and sighing. #DarrellBrooks
Katie and Tyler Pudleiner are speaking.
Tyler was hurt while marching with Waukesha South Marching Band
Tyler was hurt while marching with Waukesha South Marching Band
Katie said it was mandatory for Tyler to be at the parade for his grade. Said he made a commitment to the band and despite the Packers being on, and it being cold, he had to go.
She said she feels guilty.
She said she feels guilty.
Said she saw her son laying on the street, he was tasting blood, and his stomach hurt.
Katie said a stranger helped while Tyler was "vomiting blood' from his injuries. Said "those 18 minutes felt like an hour."
Katie is crying.
Katie is crying.
"I felt completely helpless" she said as she wanted to help others, "but I couldn't leave my son."
They loaded into the ambulance, which had a coolant leak. "The smell of antifreeze will trigger me forever."
That ambulance one more run before it died, she said.
They loaded into the ambulance, which had a coolant leak. "The smell of antifreeze will trigger me forever."
That ambulance one more run before it died, she said.
After six days in the hospital, she said they were sent home.
Tyler Pudleiner missed school, work, and other activities for two months.
Katie said his injuries left lingering questions if he’d be able to play baseball, but he took the field in April with another injured band mate.
Katie said his injuries left lingering questions if he’d be able to play baseball, but he took the field in April with another injured band mate.
"They seem to forget a mother can't kiss her son goodnight, a father who can't play baseball with his son..." Katie said about #DarrellBrooks' family saying Brooks' kids lost a father
More pictures of Tyler Pudleiner
Katie Pudliener said #DarrellBrooks' "selfish actions came a community rising from the ashes, stronger together."
Tyler Pudleiner is speaking now.
Starts by thanking Judge Dorow.
Said he started off being angry with Judge Dorow, apologizing for that. Saying he didn't understand why disruptions would take up so much time, understand the process, said he kept asking "why can't Judge Dorow do more to stop the disruptions."
Said he learned during process.
Said he learned during process.
"You did an amazing job throughout the entire process." Tyler Pudleiner said to Judge Dorow.
Also acknowledges her "sainthood"
"You've become a mother and a true hero to this community."
Also acknowledges her "sainthood"
"You've become a mother and a true hero to this community."
Also thanks prosecutors for representing all of the plaintiffs in this matter.
(Brooks often said the state wasn't an injured party and there was no plaintiff. Brooks is rolling his eyes.)
(Brooks often said the state wasn't an injured party and there was no plaintiff. Brooks is rolling his eyes.)
Tyler Pudleiner shows a photo of him and mom in ER
He’s now thanking all the people who have helped him.
Pudleiner and a friend, Eric, who was also hurt. They both made it back to the baseball diamond.
"Forgiveness is not about forgetting, it is about letting go of one's throat." Said he's not forgetting, but is letting go of his throat.
A clarinet player in the Waukesha South Marching Band. She was a senior when she was hit. Said she’s often scared to leave the house.
“I don’t really know how to show my emotions as much anymore” said she used to be read “like a book.”
“I don’t really know how to show my emotions as much anymore” said she used to be read “like a book.”
Said she felt empty and she cried. "Even the basics are hard to do." Said it's hard to write, her hand shakes, she has to relearn how to play her favorite sports, like soccer and kicking a ball with her right foot.
Sasha Catalan Castillo said she wants to move forward, but doesn't know when the nightmares will go away.
"Definitely not the adulthood I thought I'd be having now."
"Definitely not the adulthood I thought I'd be having now."
"Definitely not the same Sasha I was before."
Said she's trying her best to not let the incident get the best of her and define her.
Said she's trying her best to not let the incident get the best of her and define her.
Jennifer Dunn (victim's advocate) is reading a statement from Sasha Catalan Castillo's mom.
"Nobody knows how it feels to stand on your feet when the world has no floor."
"Waukesha, let's hug very tight because our children need us."
Dunn is reading another statement from a parent of two band members, Eric and Tyson.
"Tyson never left his brother's side..."
Said he saw blood coming out of Eric's "ear, nose, and mouth."
"Tyson never left his brother's side..."
Said he saw blood coming out of Eric's "ear, nose, and mouth."
"A real man of God would have stopped. You sat there showing no emotions for what you did. You are pure evil. You don't deserve to see the light of day ever again. I hope you rot in hell."
- Father of Eric and Tyson.
- Father of Eric and Tyson.
Dunn is reading more statements from members of the Waukesha South Marching Band.
One said they have terrors, not just at night, but during the day when they 'zone out'
One said they have terrors, not just at night, but during the day when they 'zone out'
Another said they haven't gotten a restful sleep in nearly a fully year, said they can't go to downtown Waukesha
said they get "physically ill" even thinking about going downtown. Can't enjoy sporting event or concert because they have a hypersensitivity to screaming crowds."
said they get "physically ill" even thinking about going downtown. Can't enjoy sporting event or concert because they have a hypersensitivity to screaming crowds."
This band member calls #DarrellBrooks evil, wants the firmest sentence possible.
We're breaking for an hour lunch.
We're breaking for an hour lunch.
VIDEO: This was the reaction from #DarrellBrooks as a statement was read by a victim witness advocate from a victim's father saying he wants Brooks to 'rot in hell'
@SpectrumNews1WI
@SpectrumNews1WI
@SpectrumNews1WI #BREAKING: The @WaukeshaSheriff's office released this statement on the threats made against the courthouse during the #DarrellBrooks sentencing hearing.
"An unknown individual threatened a mass shooting at the courthouse"
@SpectrumNews1WI
"An unknown individual threatened a mass shooting at the courthouse"
@SpectrumNews1WI
Court is back in session.
Dorow said #DarrellBrooks' mom asked for zoom information for statements, asked for emails to be under seal, as she's received threats. Dorow agreed.
The son of one of the victims just spoke very briefly. Said this won’t be over until he’s “pissing on your grave” #DarrellBrooks
Chris Owen, the son of Leana Owen is digging into #DarrellBrooks … bringing up why Brooks is called a monster and demon … and when Brooks said his “conscience is clear” during trial.
“I saw pure, unrepentant evil in your face that day.”
“I saw pure, unrepentant evil in your face that day.”
#DarrellBrooks rolls his eyes and shakes his head.
"All I can ask is that you rot, and you rot slow." - Chris Owen
Michael Carlson, brother of Tamara Durand is speaking.
Durand was killed by #DarrellBrooks
He said he wishes he could forget about Brooks
Durand was killed by #DarrellBrooks
He said he wishes he could forget about Brooks
"Perhaps you can forget what you did, but i can't."
Calls himself a plaintiff, referring to the multiple times #DarrellBrooks asked witnesses if they could identify a plaintiff in this case.
Calls himself a plaintiff, referring to the multiple times #DarrellBrooks asked witnesses if they could identify a plaintiff in this case.
Carlson brings up the multitudes of #SoverignCitizen claims #DarrellBrooks made in the courtroom. Called it delusion that he's the victim of "some crazy internet conspiracy."
Carlson, speaking as his sister, said if the roles were reversed, she would have stopped to help him.
"I died to life, and you now die to the world."
"I died to life, and you now die to the world."
Carlson said he's sent #DarrellBrooks letters in jail, asking him to stand up, and told him the story of Christ on the cross next to two murderers.
Asks Dorow to give Brooks a lifetime in prison to contemplate which side of Christ he wants to hang on.
Asks Dorow to give Brooks a lifetime in prison to contemplate which side of Christ he wants to hang on.
Brooks said he has an issue with the last speaker.
Dorow said the court is going to continue.
"A very valid issue I can bring."
Dorow told him to put it in writing.
Dorow said the court is going to continue.
"A very valid issue I can bring."
Dorow told him to put it in writing.
Dorow is warning Brooks that he's going to be kicked out to the other courtroom.
Someone just shouted from the gallery and is being removed.
Someone just shouted from the gallery and is being removed.
We're back in session. Dorow muted Brooks.
#DarrellBrooks
Dorow is explaining the situation with Victim C’s father and working with him in the past. Said this was all put on the record and doesn’t need to be addressed. Called it a “blatant attempt to be disruptive.”
Dorow is explaining the situation with Victim C’s father and working with him in the past. Said this was all put on the record and doesn’t need to be addressed. Called it a “blatant attempt to be disruptive.”
Dorow is inviting the person who shouted in the gallery back in if they don't interrupt. Offering same to Brooks.
Marshall Sorenson, son of Virginia “Ginny” Sorenson, is speaking.
His mom was killed by #DarrellBrooks
His mom was killed by #DarrellBrooks
Sorenson: When I was a kid, most of my heroes wore capes. Today, she wears a robe.
(Thanks Judge Dorow.)
(Thanks Judge Dorow.)
Sorenson said this year, his family plans to walk with the Milwaukee Dancing Grannies. Said they refuse to live in fear.
Brooke Sorenson, Ginny's granddaughter, is speaking now. She's a minor, and isn't shown on camera.
"I would cry every night. Darrell Brooks, you took her from me."
"Granny, I'll see you in my dreams."
"Granny, I'll see you in my dreams."
Brooks wants to come back, said he won't interrupt.
Dorow bringing him back in.
Dorow bringing him back in.
We're back. Brooks apologizes.
Sean Sorenson, son of Ginny, is speaking now.
#DarrellBrooks continues to roll his eyes
Sean Sorenson blames #DarrellBrooks, his mom Dawn Woods, and Milwaukee Co. DA John Chisholm for his mom’s death.
Said Chisholm has never said “I am sorry.” Calls for Chisholm to resign
Said Chisholm has never said “I am sorry.” Calls for Chisholm to resign
Dave Sorenson is speaking now. He’s Ginny’s husband. He’s wearing a Dancing Grannies sweatshirt
Dave Sorenson thanks @JJWatt, who helped pay for funerals
Dave Sorenson called #DarrellBrooks an animal, and said he refuses to acknowledge him as a person who deserves mercy. “Life in prison is too kind.”
Said his Bible won’t help him where he’s going.
Said his Bible won’t help him where he’s going.
Taylor Kulich, daughter of Jane Kulich
She said she didn't sleep that night, just cried.
Said this past year has been difficult … said she continues to cry often
"You do not deserve to be here. You don't deserve to be here."
Kulich said the only reason #DarrellBrooks hit the brakes was to get her mom off his hood.
Kulich said the only reason #DarrellBrooks hit the brakes was to get her mom off his hood.
Said she looks forward to the day she hears #DarrellBrooks is dead in prison.
Alisha Kulich is speaking now. Lots of crying. She was 17 when the incident happened, has just started college
Said she was sick that day, and is thankful she didn't see what happened during the parade.
Said she's missed a lot of milestone events she should have shared with her mom
Said she's missed a lot of milestone events she should have shared with her mom
Taylor said every holiday without her mom has "sucked"
Said Christmas was her favorite time of year, which made it much harder to enjoy.
Said Christmas was her favorite time of year, which made it much harder to enjoy.
*Alisha
"My life will never be the same because of you #DarrellBrooks." - Alisha Kulich
More family of Jane Kulich
TEN MINUTE BREAK.
We're back.
The mother of two victims is speaking now.
The mother of two victims is speaking now.
She tells #DarrellBrooks she hopes he rots in hell, and he rolls his eyes.
Another victim, not shown on camera, said she wishes she could punch #DarrellBrooks in the face, to which Brooks laughs and rolls his eyes.
Alyssa Gajewski who was a coach with the Xtreme Dance group is speaking now. She also testified.
“Only a monster would show no remorse.”
“Only a monster would show no remorse.”
Dylan Yourell now speaking.
He’s the dad of four kids who were hurt.
#DarrellBrooks called his wife, Kathy, to the stand in his defense.
He’s the dad of four kids who were hurt.
#DarrellBrooks called his wife, Kathy, to the stand in his defense.
Yourell asks what #DarrellBrooks is hiding from as he's the only one wearing a mask. Said he never heard Brooks say "I am sorry."
"What I heard you do is be abusive" to judge, prosecution, and witnesses. "You're an abuser."
"What I heard you do is be abusive" to judge, prosecution, and witnesses. "You're an abuser."
"I hope you will get sentenced to what you deserve."
I forgot to hit send on this tweet, but I stepped away to work on my story for @SpectrumNews1WI -- tune in tonight to get a recap of some of today's victim impact statements, and get a full recap here: #DarrellBrooks spectrumnews1.com/wi/milwaukee/n…
Several minors have given statements this afternoon, one just recounted how she had a brain injury, was in a coma, had seizures, and said she hated herself and what she had to go through.
Said Nov. 21, 2021 was the worst day of her life.
#DarrellBrooks
Said Nov. 21, 2021 was the worst day of her life.
#DarrellBrooks
A mother is now telling #DarrellBrooks about all of the injuries her daughter suffered.
"Did you hear?" she asks him.
"Did you hear?" she asks him.
#DarrellBrooks was looking down during this
I'm stepping outside for my report at 5 that you can catch through the night on @SpectrumNews1WI
Will be back shortly.
Will be back shortly.
Back inside. DA Opper is speaking now. Victim impact statements have wrapped up.
Opper is explaining different charges in Milwaukee County that #DarrellBrooks faces … and talks about previous convictions as she pleads her case for sentencing.
Opper reading convictions that date back decades against #DarrellBrooks
Opper said there is an outstanding arrest warrant against #DarrellBrooks in Nevada
"He's a lifelong criminal. He's someone who has repeatedly, continuously, disobeyed law enforcement... multiple acts of violence, weapons violations..." DA Opper
#DarrellBrooks
#DarrellBrooks
Opper: "There's nothing wrong with a parade. A parade is good...the parade will continue, and I hope and pray there is joy and laughter."
Opper said very few of the victims had any idea the SUV was barrelling down on the,.
"It was an act of a coward. Plain and simple." #DarrellBrooks
"It was an act of a coward. Plain and simple." #DarrellBrooks
Opper: "He ran like a scared little chicken from this parade, trying to slither away."
#DarrellBrooks is rocking back and forth, wringing his hands
Brooks: "I'm not going to sit here and be disrespected"
Dorow tells him to be quiet.
Opper continues.
Dorow tells him to be quiet.
Opper continues.
Opper: Darrell Brooks is the epitome of evil.
Brooks is now speaking over Opper.
"You got it all wrong Miss Opper."
#DarrellBrooks
Brooks is now speaking over Opper.
"You got it all wrong Miss Opper."
#DarrellBrooks
Brooks asked to go to the other courtroom.
Dorow: I'm not sending you there. That is not a place you request to go to.
Dorow: I'm not sending you there. That is not a place you request to go to.
"Your Honor, God is good. These children are remarkable for their strength, their healing, their physical healing." - Opper
"There's much healing to be doone, but isn't it remarkable in a year;s time, look how far we've come."
"There's much healing to be doone, but isn't it remarkable in a year;s time, look how far we've come."
Opper: "We're done with him. He's forfeited his right to be in this courtroom. He's forfeited his right to be in this community."
#DarrellBrooks
#DarrellBrooks
"Darrell Brooks cannot be trusted ever, ever again." - Opper #DarrellBrooks
Opper said #DarrellBrooks is morally bankrupt, and Brooks laughs and claps as she said he tried to intimidate in the courtroom.
State is seeking restitution ... asking for DOC to keep 50% of wages and any money paid on a potential book or canteen account.
"He should not be able to work or receive canteen without paying restitution."
"He should not be able to work or receive canteen without paying restitution."
$200,000 bill for restitution. Opper said she thinks that's low and that he should pay every penny.
"Who cares what you think?" #DarrellBrooks mutters under his breath
"Who cares what you think?" #DarrellBrooks mutters under his breath
Dorow wants to start at noon tomorrow to allow the *THREE* people plus #DarrellBrooks to speak
He had 9 names, but Dorow said by speaking with #DarrellBrooks' mom, it looks like three.
Brooks apologizes to her and court. Said "it's very hard to sit and... it's almost like Apollo"
Dorow said the apologies should be for victims.
We're done for the day.
Brooks apologizes to her and court. Said "it's very hard to sit and... it's almost like Apollo"
Dorow said the apologies should be for victims.
We're done for the day.
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