Good morning from Waukesha.
#DarrellBrooks will be formally sentenced today for killing six and injuring dozens more when he drove his SUV into the #WaukeshaChristmasParade on November 21, 2021.
@SpectrumNews1WI
#DarrellBrooks will be formally sentenced today for killing six and injuring dozens more when he drove his SUV into the #WaukeshaChristmasParade on November 21, 2021.
@SpectrumNews1WI
According to a letter sent to Judge Jennifer Dorow by Dawn Woods (Darrell Brooks' mom) yesterday, three people plan to speak on his behalf:
- Dawn Woods (mom)
- Mary Edwards-Williams (Grandmother)
- Michele Allworth
- Dawn Woods (mom)
- Mary Edwards-Williams (Grandmother)
- Michele Allworth
This is a copy of an email sent to Dawn Woods saying "you should move, or we will move you."
She wrote to Dorow to redact her and the other speaking for #DarrellBrooks from public record, which Dorow agreed to yesterday.
She wrote to Dorow to redact her and the other speaking for #DarrellBrooks from public record, which Dorow agreed to yesterday.
NEW TODAY: Dawn Woods sent a letter to Judge Dorow which was filed in the record today.
She said she didn't watch the victims statements yesterday. "I just couldn't. I needed to protect my heart."
@SpectrumNews1WI
She said she didn't watch the victims statements yesterday. "I just couldn't. I needed to protect my heart."
@SpectrumNews1WI
She goes on to say that "Darrell's behavior shows him to be unfeeling and not caring is not accurate."
Said "I see a pee a person who is broken, unmedicated, and one who doesn't have the ability to control his actions or emotions." #DarrellBrooks
Said "I see a pee a person who is broken, unmedicated, and one who doesn't have the ability to control his actions or emotions." #DarrellBrooks
#DarrellBrooks again announces himself in court as Darrell Brooks Jr.
Two days in a row. During the trial he refused to identify by that name and said he didn't know anybody by that name.
Two days in a row. During the trial he refused to identify by that name and said he didn't know anybody by that name.
DA Opper said a young girl named Brooke, who gave a statement yesterday, wants to re-do it.
Dorow is honoring that request. #DarrellBrooks
Dorow is honoring that request. #DarrellBrooks
The young girl is Brooke Sorenson, Ginny Sorenson's granddaughter.
She read the same statement she said yesterday... just a few minutes.
Dawn Woods is about to give her statement. She’s #DarrellBrooks’ mom
"Mental illness affects everyone, it destroys lives."
"Mental illness is the elephant in the room that so many pretend is not there."
Said people who suffer from it are often shunned by family, friends, ridiculed on youtube and TV ads.
"They are the forgotten ones."
"Mental illness is the elephant in the room that so many pretend is not there."
Said people who suffer from it are often shunned by family, friends, ridiculed on youtube and TV ads.
"They are the forgotten ones."
"Once viewed as fun loving and kind are now the outcasts of society. We say they're what's wrong with society. They're idiots. Unfit. They serve no purpose." - Dawn Woods
#DarrellBrooks
#DarrellBrooks
"Mental illness calls them to do the unthinkable."
Said they must be punished, though.
"Treatment, therapy, medication, hospital and institutions that specialize those who suffer from mental illness need to be offered." - Dawn Woods #DarrellBrooks
Said they must be punished, though.
"Treatment, therapy, medication, hospital and institutions that specialize those who suffer from mental illness need to be offered." - Dawn Woods #DarrellBrooks
Woods: "Mental illness can not be eradicated by prison bars. Mental illness is always going to be there. It's invasive."
Said it can be controlled by treatment
Said it can be controlled by treatment
"How about showing some compassion" Dawn Woods said about treating people with mental illness.
Said she's been dealing with people with mental illness for more than 30 years.
Said she's been dealing with people with mental illness for more than 30 years.
Said if treatment is offered early and addressed, "Maybe there would be less court cases and less people crying because their loved ones were hurt." - Dawn Woods
"Jail is not the only answer. Help, treatment, hospitalization, and medication" plays a "big role"
#DarrellBrooks
"Jail is not the only answer. Help, treatment, hospitalization, and medication" plays a "big role"
#DarrellBrooks
Dawn Woods now reading a poem written by Maya Angelou
"Caged Bird" -- poetryoutloud.org/poem/caged-bir…
#DarrellBrooks
"Caged Bird" -- poetryoutloud.org/poem/caged-bir…
#DarrellBrooks
#DarrellBrooks kept his mask on all day yesterday during victim statements.
His mom is speaking now, his mask is off and he’s crying. @SpectrumNews1WI
His mom is speaking now, his mask is off and he’s crying. @SpectrumNews1WI
Woods again is urging treatment for her son.
"I know their pain, I pray thee Lord will continue to comfort and heal each of them" - she said to victims and families. #DarrellBrooks
"I know their pain, I pray thee Lord will continue to comfort and heal each of them" - she said to victims and families. #DarrellBrooks
Mary Edwards — “I am not the wicked grandmother of the west”
Mary Edwards is #DarrellBrooks' grandmother.
She apologizes to the victims, mentions Jackson Sparks' family by name.
She apologizes to the victims, mentions Jackson Sparks' family by name.
"Blessed are those who mourn, as they should be comforted."
Edwards asks for forgiveness for her grandson.
"Please do not be like the man who drank the poison and hoped their enemy would die."
Edwards asks for forgiveness for her grandson.
"Please do not be like the man who drank the poison and hoped their enemy would die."
Said she's lost a grandson, Darrell Brooks' mom lost her son, and "Darrell Brooks has lost his mind."
Edwards has finished.
Michele Allworth is now going to speak.
Michele Allworth is now going to speak.
Allworth said she met #DarrellBrooks 17 years ago in Nevada
She said #DarrellBrooks has told her multiple times “how remorseful” he is.
Said she chose to make Darrell part of her family and “will always have his back” even with this tragic event.
Said she chose to make Darrell part of her family and “will always have his back” even with this tragic event.
Allworth said #DarrellBrooks lived with her in 2006 and in 2013/14.
Said she was glad because she deals with medical issues and blacks out with seizures. Said he often helped her.
Said Darrell is "loving compassionate and humble."
Said she was glad because she deals with medical issues and blacks out with seizures. Said he often helped her.
Said Darrell is "loving compassionate and humble."
Allworth said #DarrellBrooks blacked out during the parade and urges that he gets help@in a mental facility.
Brooks is crying.
Brooks is crying.
#DarrellBrooks said he has "a lot" to say.
“I apologize for taking so long”
#DarrellBrooks stands and “gives glory to God.”
“I believe in Jesus Christ wholeheartedly.”
#DarrellBrooks stands and “gives glory to God.”
“I believe in Jesus Christ wholeheartedly.”
#DarrellBrooks is going through what he believes about Jesus Christ, how he died for our sins, etc.
“Every knee shall bow.” #DarrellBrooks
"This is something I believe in my heart."
Brooks said he wants to clarify one thing.
Brooks said he wants to clarify one thing.
" A lot of references was made to one of the things about my conscience being clear and having the time to think about it last night... victims have the right to feel how they feel."
"A lot of pain, frustration, anger, hatred"
"I don't want that comment to be twisted."
"A lot of pain, frustration, anger, hatred"
"I don't want that comment to be twisted."
Said that comment was made because he decided to re-dedicate his life to Christ "after this tragedy happened."
Said it wasn't about not having remorse, but to the point that he "has repented" and asked God for forgiveness.
"Sent may prayers up."
Said it wasn't about not having remorse, but to the point that he "has repented" and asked God for forgiveness.
"Sent may prayers up."
#DarrellBrooks said it's been "extremely hard" to "wrap his head" around this situation.
Said he had "minimal time" to reflect while alone his cell.
"When it's just you and the walls"
"One of the victims made a comment about trying to understand why this happened. That's a question I struggle with myself. They why, the how."
"When it's just you and the walls"
"One of the victims made a comment about trying to understand why this happened. That's a question I struggle with myself. They why, the how."
"How could life ever get this far away from what it should be?" - #DarrellBrooks
"Regardless of what many people may think about me, about who I am, about my family, about my beliefs, I know who I am. God knows who I am. And I don't have words of anger, any shots so to speak to throw back." - #DarrellBrooks
Said he had to "look inside himself" to see why those comments about him were being made. Said people have the right to feel that way.
Brooks wanted to face the gallery, Dorow said "they're not ready for that yet."
“I don’t feel like I needed to go into why I chose to wear this (mask) there are a lot of reasons why.”
Said it doesn’t have any thing to do with hiding anything.
(He’s not had it on today)
“There is nothing to hide.”
Said it doesn’t have any thing to do with hiding anything.
(He’s not had it on today)
“There is nothing to hide.”
Said when you're on TV everyday, every social media platform, "What is there to hide from?"
#DarrellBrooks
#DarrellBrooks
"I want you to know that no matter how you felt during this...how you felt yesterday.. I want everyone to know...that not only am I sorry for what happened, I'm sorry you can't see what's truly in my heart." #DarrellBrooks
#DarrellBrooks: "the truth is hard a lot of times. I'm not a very old by age standards but I've been alive long enough to understand a lot of people are comfortable hearing what they want to hear...and being okay with that."
"It's easy to accept what's on the surface. It's harder to pull back the veil. It's harder to look deeper than the surface." - #DarrellBrooks
"Regardless to thee truth, I understand there are many people who will never forgive what happened. I'm okay with that and I hold no ill will toward them." - #DarrellBrooks
He said he knows people will be angry for "a long time" and maybe forever.
He said he knows people will be angry for "a long time" and maybe forever.
#DarrellBrooks: "It is not me that can take any pain away. Replace what was lost. Give back joy, happiness, there's so many other things that was lost that day."
"I think all that comes with belief in Christ. I believe that all that comes with time, it's a process." #DarrellBrooks
"It's a process that we all have to go through." #DarrellBrooks
"I noticed a lot of things that I've said over the duration of this trial were ... there was a lot of misconception. I don't consider myself to be a man of God yet. It's something that I'm learning."
"I noticed a lot of things that I've said over the duration of this trial were ... there was a lot of misconception. I don't consider myself to be a man of God yet. It's something that I'm learning."
"Lord willing I will make it to that point at God's appointed time. It's something that I'm learning." #DarrellBrooks
"For anyone that doesn't think that I've spent time in the scriptures even before this...you're mistaken."
#DarrellBrooks
#DarrellBrooks
"The thing about Scripture is not only studying and reading it, it's about applying it to your life. It's about living it." #DarrellBrooks
"Ive become frustrated at times" [during trial]
"I want you, Your Honor to know, that regardless to what you may think about those particular incidents, they were not personal." #DarrellBrooks
"I want you, Your Honor to know, that regardless to what you may think about those particular incidents, they were not personal." #DarrellBrooks
"Being here thru out this year, and the constant learning how to deal with everything, learning how to take everything in, what you see, what you hear...things being shouted at you, the threats...everything that you have to deal with just being here... it was like a culmination."
Said it felt like his hands were tied.
"It would come out in frustration. I take responsibility for that and apologize to you your Honor and th Court. Nothing about it was personal."
Said he felt he hasn't been able to defend himself. #DarrellBrooks
"The pot boiling over."
"It would come out in frustration. I take responsibility for that and apologize to you your Honor and th Court. Nothing about it was personal."
Said he felt he hasn't been able to defend himself. #DarrellBrooks
"The pot boiling over."
#DarrellBrooks said he was wrong for not being able to control himself.
“For as long as I can remember I’ve dealt with a lot of issues.” #DarrellBrooks
"A lot of people don't understand what is is to battle mental health issues, the difficulties of life in general. The childhood I had...not having a father. Having to see my mom sometimes work 2 and 3 jobs just to be able to support us." #DarrellBrooks
#DarrellBrooks said he remembers being with his late sister standing in the welfare line, "as a kind you don't understand that. You think it's normal."
Said he remembers living in apartment building infested with rodents and bugs, "pouring cereal into your bowl and it having bugs in it. A lot of people weren't raised like that." #DarrellBrooks
"Physical abuse by the people that are supposed to love you, trying to understand why your mind things the way it does, why you don't comprehend certain things.Why no one can provide the answers you want." #DarrellBrooks
"I have at times been medicated. I have been in mental health facilities, only for a short time. I can honestly say that life was better. It helped"
#DarrellBrooks
#DarrellBrooks
"It always helps when you have people you can feel comfortable being yourself with. Someone to listen, someone to tell you that 'hey, it's alright.' You can let your guard down." #DarrellBrooks
(We're about 28 minutes into this)
"People are going to believe what they want, and that's okay. But this needs to be said."
#DarrellBrooks
"What happened on Nov 21 2021 was not, NOT, NOT an attack."
#DarrellBrooks
"What happened on Nov 21 2021 was not, NOT, NOT an attack."
"It was not planned, plotted. When you constantly hear that perpetuated, constantly pushed, constantly pushed, constantly pushed, you wonder why. Why?"
#DarrellBrooks
#DarrellBrooks
“This was not an attack. This was not an intentional act. No matter how many times you say it over and over. It was not.”
#DarrellBrooks
#DarrellBrooks
"This has nothing to do with the victims, the families...and as a matter of fact I'm grateful they had the opportunity to voice their opinions and their frustrations and angers. I could never point a finger at them to say they were wrong for what they said." #DarrellBrooks
"I felt a lot of frustration and anger yesterday, not towards any of the victims. It was towards Ms. Susan Opper and I won't even throw shots back at her. Again, I choose to take the high road."
#DarrellBrooks
#DarrellBrooks
“I’m not gonna fire back. Not gonna do that. Am I angry? Hell yeah. Hell yeah. But so what?” #DarrellBrooks
"I respect you too, attorney Opper. The difference btwn all you guys is, Attny Opper I don't respect how you did your job, and I never will but I refuse to get into name calling, raise my voice, do any of that." #DarrellBrooks
#DarrellBrooks said he had "every intention" to come in and "lay into" the prosecution.
"How you had the audacity to speak on situations that had nothing to do with this tragedy as if you were there... just by reading the police report."
"How you had the audacity to speak on situations that had nothing to do with this tragedy as if you were there... just by reading the police report."
"Reading the police report doesn't give you the right to pass judgement that frankly isn't none of your concern." #DarrellBrooks
#DarrellBrooks said for Opper doing her job as long as she has, “you think you’d have some integrity.”
“Even with that I’m notgonna bash. Not gonna call you anything but your God given name.”
“Even with that I’m notgonna bash. Not gonna call you anything but your God given name.”
#DarrellBrooks: "I won't be able to wrap my head around why you did things the way you did it. You made reference to this being an open and shut case yet you needed a whole team to prosecute an open and shut case as you say."
#DarrellBrooks said the reasons Opper's case had any strong points was because of DDA Boese and ADA Wittchow.
"Not from you."
"Not from you."
"31 years that you've done this. 31 years. Hmm. I don't believe you're that bright."
#DarrellBrooks said to DA Susan Opper.
#DarrellBrooks said to DA Susan Opper.
"Yet, I respect you having the resolve to take on something of this magnitude for this community. Can't do nothing but respect that." #DarrellBrooks
#DarrellBrooks said he's gotten mail from Germany, Belgium... "a lot of it hate mail. I stopped reading it months ago. It doesn't hurt me. It's irrelevant."
#DarrellBrooks is now speaking to the people watching the live stream "around the world"
"I have no value in anything that you say. It doesn't bother me. It doesn't affect me. Keep up the bad work"
"I have no value in anything that you say. It doesn't bother me. It doesn't affect me. Keep up the bad work"
"To everyone else who have sent letters of support, I thank you for that because it's not an easy thing to show love and support to other to the man who's the most hated man on the planet at this time. I thank you for that." #DarrellBrooks
To the mothers of his children: "Obviously I think I should start with the obvious, Erika Patterson. I want you to know if you're watching, I'll always have love for you. I could never hate you. I refuse to go that route. Always have love for you. I'll always respect you."
"We have a beautiful daughter'
Said he hasn't been right in things he's done to her.
"But it always takes two." #DarrellBrooks
Said he hasn't been right in things he's done to her.
"But it always takes two." #DarrellBrooks
"I pray that at some point, you will reconcile with your children and that you remember who I am here in my heart. That you remember that."
Now speaking to the mother of his oldest son, who is 19: "beautiful, beautiful spirit."
Thanks her for being there to listen.
Now speaking to the mother of his oldest son, who is 19: "beautiful, beautiful spirit."
Thanks her for being there to listen.
"She would take the time to sit and listen and I thank her for it."
#DarrellBrooks
"Times where I had nowhere to go, she would find me in the back of abandoned cars or trucks & do things to help."
#DarrellBrooks
"Times where I had nowhere to go, she would find me in the back of abandoned cars or trucks & do things to help."
"A lot of good people out there in the world still She's one of them. I thank you Angel. That's her name, too. Angel." #DarrellBrooks
#DarrellBrooks: To Jessica, my youngest daughter's mom, I believe it's a reason God puts anyone in your life at the time when he does.
"You came into my life when everything was chaotic."
Said he didn't have a clue how to put one foot in front of the other.
"You came into my life when everything was chaotic."
Said he didn't have a clue how to put one foot in front of the other.
#DarrellBrooks said she came into his life when he was pondering "what do I even have to live for? And in the midst of that you gave me my baby girl."
Said he always gets emotional talking about his youngest daughter because “she’s daddy’s girl” feels like it was God’s way of righting his wrong with his other kids #DarrellBrooks
Meanwhile, Judge Dorow: #DarrellBrooks
#DarrellBrooks: "I just want to tell my baby girl that I love her. I love you Missy."
Now talking about his baby son, who was born this past June, while he's been in jail, and his mother.
"I regret not being able to be there at the times both of them needed me the most." #DarrellBrooks
"I regret not being able to be there at the times both of them needed me the most." #DarrellBrooks
#DarrellBrooks said it's not easy for a woman to go through a pregnancy without help, having to move because she was getting threats over this, "and I wasn't there."
#DarrellBrooks now talking about cutting the umbilical cord for his children. "I've done that, and not being able to do it for her and for him...to only know what he looks like because of pictures..."
#DarrellBrooks: "I believe God has a plan for everything, and it's about doing the best you can inside of God's will. Say what you want about me. I'm not going to walk away from my children. I refuse to walk away from my children."
#DarrellBrooks: "I love all four of you, and that won't stop for nothing. No matter what."
"A lot of reference yesterday was made about death... in reference to opinions toward myself, I do not fear death."
"A lot of reference yesterday was made about death... in reference to opinions toward myself, I do not fear death."
#DarrellBrooks has hit the one hour mark of his sentencing statement.
"I do not fear death because I'm in Christ." #DarrellBrooks
"At some point we all have a date. Everyone on this planet has a date."
"At some point we all have a date. Everyone on this planet has a date."
"It's inevitable. Why fear it? I'm a million % confident in where I'm going once this is all over. No matter what anyone says, I'm a million % confident in where I'm going."
"we all gotta stand before the judgement seat of Christ at some point. All of us." #DarrellBrooks
"we all gotta stand before the judgement seat of Christ at some point. All of us." #DarrellBrooks
"Contrary to believe, I don't feel that I'm above anyone...superior to anyone. I'm no better" #DarrellBrooks
"I'm a human being, I'm not a monster." #DarrellBrooks
"I'm a human being that's been trying to figure out for 35 years questions that I never got the answer to."
"I'm a human being that's been trying to figure out for 35 years questions that I never got the answer to."
#DarrellBrooks knows victims are going through the healing process. "Believe it or not I've prayed for all victims, family members, for a year now to be able to make it through that process but it is a process it won't happen overnight."
#DarrellBroooks said he was "definitely paying attention" yesterday. Said he heard in a lot of victims statements yesterday a lot of people dealing with mental health issues
"Believe it or not, you were talking to someone who's dealt with those same types of questions for a long time. QUestioning life itself. QUestioning what's the point of being here to go through all this pain, to go through all the doubts?" #DarrellBrooks
#DarrellBrooks continues saying how he can relate to being bullied, not knowing if he wants to wake up after going to sleep (he's talking about victims who talked about this in statements)
#DarrellBrooks: "I've doubted God. I think everyone in this room can say that if you believe. You've doubted. You've questioned. You've wondered."
"How did I get here? What did I miss. What didn't I catch? How did it ever get to this?"
"How did I get here? What did I miss. What didn't I catch? How did it ever get to this?"
#DarrellBrooks said listening to those who had courage yesterday, he heard a lot of "what should have been done, what could have been done" in regards to remorse.
"I apologize for not showing people what they wanted to see. I just ask that there be understanding that there's a side out of the courtroom that's not seen."
Calls what's seen in the courtroom "a small piece of the whole puzzle." #DarrellBrooks
Calls what's seen in the courtroom "a small piece of the whole puzzle." #DarrellBrooks
Said there's "Not a day, not an hour" he hasn't "tried to wrap his head around how something like this could happen"
#DarrellBrooks
"Where I haven't thought about the pain you all are in. Contrary to what people may think."
#DarrellBrooks
"Where I haven't thought about the pain you all are in. Contrary to what people may think."
“On my end you get to a point where you’re just tired. You get to a point where you’ve cried all the tears you can cry. You never stop praying but it’s repetitive at this point.” #DarrelBrooks
#DarrellBrooks said there were often times he told his lawyers he couldn't mentally handle court proceedings.
"Having to be prepared for everything I was going to walk into."
"Having to be prepared for everything I was going to walk into."
"It's just like, wow. How am I going to do this?"
#DarrellBrooks
"When you walk out of the courtroom and the cameras aren't rolling anymore, that's when you can feel like you're human again, go back to your cell, drop your tears, pray, punch your mat if you're frustrated."
#DarrellBrooks
"When you walk out of the courtroom and the cameras aren't rolling anymore, that's when you can feel like you're human again, go back to your cell, drop your tears, pray, punch your mat if you're frustrated."
"How would things be different if the cameras were rolling then? How would it be then?"
#DarrellBrooks
#DarrellBrooks
#DarrellBrooks said "we've all done things in live we're not proud of."
"That's been like a rollercoaster for me in this year. A rollercoaster. Some days are better than other days."
"That's been like a rollercoaster for me in this year. A rollercoaster. Some days are better than other days."
(We're at 1 hour 20 minutes) #DarrellBrooks
#DarrellBrooks said "you put on a smile to hide the pain"
"Long before Nov 21, 2021. Long before that day I was struggling. Long before."
"Long before Nov 21, 2021. Long before that day I was struggling. Long before."
Said he was "feeling dead inside, then feeling hopeful, thn depressed, then happy then upset"
#DarrellBrooks
#DarrellBrooks
#DarrellBrooks said when you always see someone smiling in an upbeat mood "What is there to question? How much turmoil could there be? It's not okay."
"I do believe one thing though, as long as you have breath in your body, no matter what you're going through, where you may be, what struggles you have, what you can't figure out... you have to find a way to press forward." - #DarrellBrooks
"As hard as it is you can't turn back the hands of time. As much as I wish I had the power to do that. You can't."
#DarrellBrooks said he has to look at life going forward, not backward.
#DarrellBrooks said he has to look at life going forward, not backward.
#DarrellBrooks said he has "moved past the tragedy" but won't stop uplifting the community, victims, families in prayer.
Said he doesn't want this to be misconstrued
"None of us can go back and change what happened. We can't. But that doesn't mean that my life has to continue to be defined by that."
Said he refuses to live at that time because "that time has passed"
#DarrellBrooks
"None of us can go back and change what happened. We can't. But that doesn't mean that my life has to continue to be defined by that."
Said he refuses to live at that time because "that time has passed"
#DarrellBrooks
#DarrellBrooks said no one can say what they would have done in that situation unless they were there.
"Does anyone think I haven't asked myself that? What does it matter now?"
"Does anyone think I haven't asked myself that? What does it matter now?"
1.5 hour mark. #DarrellBrooks
#DarrellBrooks citing scripture for forgiveness.
#DarrellBrooks said he can jump up and down and scream about what was said about him, "but why?"
"Everyone has to make their own peace with God, and that's what I've done. Regardless of what people think, I've done it."
"Everyone has to make their own peace with God, and that's what I've done. Regardless of what people think, I've done it."
#DarrellBrooks: "I can't, and I refuse to live the rest of my life trying to please other people."
"I still have a long way to go to get to where I need to be, but my life now is about pleasing God." #DarrellBrooks
#DarrellBrooks is now trying to clarify the comments he made about this being "God's will"
"To suggest that I don't care? Out of everything that's been said this whole year, that's probably the hardest one to digest." #DarrellBrooks "To suggest that I'm heartless."
Dorow: What do you think this court should do about these sentences?
#DarrellBrooks: "Honestly, your Honor, and I don't want this to be taken out of context, I believe there's issues with me attempting to answer that."
#DarrellBrooks: "Honestly, your Honor, and I don't want this to be taken out of context, I believe there's issues with me attempting to answer that."
#DarrellBrooks: "I'm still confused on the true nature and cause of the charges. I don't understand them."
"I also believe a decision was already made before we even got here and I could be wrong. That's not a shot, not a slight in any way."
"I also believe a decision was already made before we even got here and I could be wrong. That's not a shot, not a slight in any way."
#DarrellBrooks: "I would say help is needed."
#DarrellBrooks: "So many questions about where to start. Where to start? Who can point you in the direction to get the help you need. You just don't know where to start at."
#DarrellBrooks: "Your Honor, I think that throughout these proceedings, and I've noticed this, that you've been very observant. You've been very attentive, regardless of me being frustrated with some of the things, I can't do anything but look at what you have done."
"...which is, you have. You have been very very keen, I believe, still a lot of issues there. I believe because of the issue I have three, someteiims, I may have said things you didn't understand what I was meaning by it. I'm not the sharpest knife in the drawer." #DarrellBrooks
#DarrellBrooks said it would hard to top what's been said abt Judge Dorow thus far.
"You've got an incredible about of love for your job in this matter. Some even said superhero. Some people have even dressed up as you for Halloween."
Dorow interrupts & doesn't want accolades
"You've got an incredible about of love for your job in this matter. Some even said superhero. Some people have even dressed up as you for Halloween."
Dorow interrupts & doesn't want accolades
Dorow is telling #DarrellBrooks she has a hard job to do today.
"One thing that should be taken into account is the time that i've served. I've been here a year. That would pretty much negate count 76. SO there's that."
(He faces 6 life sentences + 859 years)
"One thing that should be taken into account is the time that i've served. I've been here a year. That would pretty much negate count 76. SO there's that."
(He faces 6 life sentences + 859 years)
#DarrellBrooks again said he doesn't understand the true nature and cause of the charges...and doesn't understand and does not consent to being sentenced.
Said it's not a delay tactic or attempt to be disruptive or stop the proceedings.
"I have trouble with comprehension"
Said it's not a delay tactic or attempt to be disruptive or stop the proceedings.
"I have trouble with comprehension"
#DarrellBrooks: "I can say with 1 Million % certainty that everything as far as, in regards to me, everything should be looked at in its totality."
"The mental health issues I believe, that you've seen them rear their head at times."
"The mental health issues I believe, that you've seen them rear their head at times."
"Also I believe you recognize the need for the help that's needed."
"You've seen things as far back as my childhood and I believe that you understand the certain needs that would benefit"
"So many issues that I've been trying to address for a long time." #DarrellBrooks
"You've seen things as far back as my childhood and I believe that you understand the certain needs that would benefit"
"So many issues that I've been trying to address for a long time." #DarrellBrooks
#DarrellBrooks said he wants to get to a point where can recognize signs on his own, where his mind isn't jumping all over the place.
"Your honor, this has not been easy, and not just this, but life in general."
"Your honor, this has not been easy, and not just this, but life in general."
#DarrellBrooks said he didn't ask to be born this way.
"I want to get to a time of happiness again. to be able to be medicated and not care what people think." #DarrellBrooks
Dorow notes this has been going on two hours and that he's repeating the same points over and over. Asks again if #DarrellBrooks has any sentencing recommendations on his own behalf.
"I just want to be helped."
"I just want to be helped."
"I don't want to live inside this pain anymore. I know that's probably not the answer you're looking for..." #DarrellBrooks
"Do you think you should spend the rest of your life in prison? Should these run consecutive or concurrent?
#DarrellBrooks: "I didn't understand everything you said, but I did ... I can't live a million years."
Dorow: I understand that.
#DarrellBrooks: "I didn't understand everything you said, but I did ... I can't live a million years."
Dorow: I understand that.
#DarrellBrooks: "I feel like I should be able to go somewhere where I can be helped, properly evaluated, properly medicated, if that is an extended period of a long, long time, at least I know I'm getting what I need, not what I want, wHat I need."
"At least then, I'd be able to say, 'It's okay. You can be you. You can be grateful for the fact that you have experts or people that know exactly what to do."
#DarrellBrooks
(We've officially hit the 2 hour mark)
#DarrellBrooks
(We've officially hit the 2 hour mark)
Dorow again: "You don't have a specific recommendation, but you're asking me to take into consideration your mental health needs and your desire to get help."
#DarrellBrooks nodding: "Yes."
#DarrellBrooks nodding: "Yes."
#DarrellBrooks asks what concurrent means.
"My main thing is, regardless, is to not just be placed somewhere and just forgotten about. That doesn't help."
"My main thing is, regardless, is to not just be placed somewhere and just forgotten about. That doesn't help."
#DarrellBrooks: "I want the opportunity. I want to beat this. I want the opportunity to beat this and show that it can be beat. I don't have to live like.. you know? I want to show that regardless of anything, that there is still hope."
Dorow said she understands #DarrellBrooks' desire to have his mental health needs met.
She cuts Brooks off at 2 hours 5 minutes.
"I apologize for the length. I didn't even realize."
Dorow wants a 20 minute break.
In recess till 3
She cuts Brooks off at 2 hours 5 minutes.
"I apologize for the length. I didn't even realize."
Dorow wants a 20 minute break.
In recess till 3
Dorow said she's going to start of with a review of #DarrellBrooks' NGI (not guilty by insanity plea) that he withdrew.
Then go over what impacted her during trial
Then go over victims and impact statements
Then go through sentencing factors.
Then go over what impacted her during trial
Then go over victims and impact statements
Then go through sentencing factors.
Dorow said she’s not here to debate #DarrellBrooks mental health. Said she’s read through four expert evaluations of him
“I don’t want there to be any doubt that I’ve considered that, but also that this trial was missing something.“
“I don’t want there to be any doubt that I’ve considered that, but also that this trial was missing something.“
Dorow said Brooks entered that NGI plea early, and four well known doctors have given their reports, said one is 24 pages, one is 8, one is 26, another is 12 pages.
"I have absolutely no doubt that Mr. Brooks is competent."
Said the court was never concerned about that. Said the issue was raised by the public based on what they saw during trial.
Said the court was never concerned about that. Said the issue was raised by the public based on what they saw during trial.
Said it goes toward #DarrellBrooks' character, which is one thing Dorow has to consider.
Dorow said she believes mental health did not cause this incident or play a role in what happened.
She's backing up her belief with evaluation reports.
She's backing up her belief with evaluation reports.
One doctor said they noted #DarrellBrooks lack of respect to societal norms, lack of remorse
One evaluator said his interactions with police when he was arrested and during interviews were efforts to "deceive and mislead" and continued to change his story... "strongly suggests that his reality contact was then in tact."
Dorow: "There is no doubt that in our criminal justice system today we face a crisis" when it comes to mental disease.
Said #DarrellBrooks does not fit that.
Said #DarrellBrooks does not fit that.
Dorow: Do the mentally ill sometimes commit atrocious crimes? They do. This is not one of those situations
#DarrellBrooks
#DarrellBrooks
Dorow said she has faced evil from her bench on many occasions.
"There is no medication or treatment for a heart that is bent on evil."
"There is no medication or treatment for a heart that is bent on evil."
Dorow: "He understands the difference between right and wrong and chooses to ignore his conscience. He is fueled by his anger and rage."
Said he chooses to be evil.
#DarrellBrooks
Said he chooses to be evil.
#DarrellBrooks
Dorow: "The hopes and dreams they [mom and grandma] had for your life? They're gone."
#DarrellBrooks
#DarrellBrooks
Dorow said the DOC is responsible for care and well being, and she has no authority to dictate where they take him/how they treat him.
Dorow said she's not saying things can coexists with his mental health issues, childhood trauma, etec.
"None of that caused you to do what you did on Nov. 21, 2021."
#DarrellBrooks
"None of that caused you to do what you did on Nov. 21, 2021."
#DarrellBrooks
Dorow now shifting from the mental health aspect to what impacted her during trial.
Dorow: Why? Why did you barrell down White Rock Ave? Why did you not stop? Why did you keep going?
#DarrellBrooks
#DarrellBrooks
Dorow: “You’d driven past those signs in the staging area.”
Brooks mutters something inaudible.
Brooks mutters something inaudible.
Dorow: "My impression based on Erika Patterson's testimony, who, by the way, showed grace and dignity facing you, a man who has no regard for her"
Brooks: "That's not true."
#DarrellBrooks
Brooks: "That's not true."
#DarrellBrooks
Dorow said #DarrellBrooks' character is important in this sentencing, and she can provide him case law.
Brooks: "I don't need no case law."
He's interrupting.
"Mr. Brooks, this is my time. You need to stop."
Brooks: "I don't need no case law."
He's interrupting.
"Mr. Brooks, this is my time. You need to stop."
Brooks: REMOVE ME THEN!!!! I don't consent to any of this! I don't even understand the true nature and cause..."
Break.
#DarrellBrooks
Break.
#DarrellBrooks
We’re back.
"You're not muted sir. You're going to listen to me and not interrupt."
Brooks said he would like to exercise his right to be present.
Dorow said if he pledges to not interrupt. He doesn't make that pledge.
Brooks said he would like to exercise his right to be present.
Dorow said if he pledges to not interrupt. He doesn't make that pledge.
Dorow said when testimony or something said by the court is unfavorable to him, #DarrellBrooks lashes out, and that's been evident.
Dorow said during Patterson's testimony, she wasn't sure where Brooks would go with his defense.
Said Patterson provided key testimony that #DarrellBrooks was alone in that vehicle.
Brooks is waiving his arms to come back in and she said he has to issue a written pledge.
Said Patterson provided key testimony that #DarrellBrooks was alone in that vehicle.
Brooks is waiving his arms to come back in and she said he has to issue a written pledge.
Dorow said she has 9 notepads, and has reviewed them all. Has looked at some exhibits.
Said she wanted to know how long the carnage took.
Said we know the distance, and shows the map of the paradee and victims marked that was used in trial.
Said we know the distance, and shows the map of the paradee and victims marked that was used in trial.
3 blocks before hitting anyone, then 5 blocks of “chaos and carnage.”
"I don't think this took very long."
Said it was hard to gauge during the trial, said 5 minutes is too long.
"Even though it took just a couple of minutes, there were so many opportunities for Mr. Brooks to stop, turn around, turn down other streets."
Said it was hard to gauge during the trial, said 5 minutes is too long.
"Even though it took just a couple of minutes, there were so many opportunities for Mr. Brooks to stop, turn around, turn down other streets."
Dorow said #DarrellBrooks started out not driving very fast. Said he had ample time to reflect. Said he could've turned around on White Rock.
"Why drive toward them? Why make that right hand turn? There's no reasonable explanation other than he was angry, full of rage, and didn't care who or what he came in contact with." - Dorow
#DarrellBrooks
#DarrellBrooks
Brooks is gesturing, wanting to come back. He wrote a note, Dorow said it wasn't a pledge, so he wasn't coming back.
Dorow said there is "no doubt" in her mind that #DarrellBrooks would understand a parade was going on.
Dorow is crying as she brings up the Waukesha South High School Marching Band #DarrellBrooks
Dorow is working down the parade route, said the video with the Blazers and Jackson Sparks is very difficult to see.
#DarrellBrooks
#DarrellBrooks
Dorow explaining how lies became a part of this case, as #DarrellBrooks lied about being slammed to the ground by police, which bodycam video proves that's not true.
Dorow said #DarrellBrooks made sophisticated legal arguments... like right to counsel and standby counsel.
Said while he never made clear his defense, it became apparent in hindsight that it was always jury nullification, which he brought up during his closing.
Said while he never made clear his defense, it became apparent in hindsight that it was always jury nullification, which he brought up during his closing.
Dorow: He spoke today for two hours without notes, covering a variety of topics.
Said she saw #DarrellBrooks' eye rolling, fake clapping, etc. and was very inappropriate. Said his reactions are negative when things weren't going his way.
Now on impacts from victims statements
Said she saw #DarrellBrooks' eye rolling, fake clapping, etc. and was very inappropriate. Said his reactions are negative when things weren't going his way.
Now on impacts from victims statements
Dorow crying as she addresses Tucker Sparks, who's mom said blamed himself for Jackson's death -- 'It's not your fault Tucker. It's Mr. Brooks' fault."
#DarrellBrooks
#DarrellBrooks
Brooks wants to come back, but Dorow again said he didn't pledge. He's not coming back in at thee moment.
(Thanks for bearing with my typos sometimes. My "e" key likes to stick, so sometimes you get extra "e"s and sometimes you get none)
Dorow tells the Yourell family they're raising their kids the right way.
(Four Yourell kids were injured by #DarrellBrooks)
(Four Yourell kids were injured by #DarrellBrooks)
Brooks is being brought back in. Quick recess.
We're back.
Dorow is telling Brooks to sit down..
He's bringing up ... SUBJECT MATTER JURISDICTION.
#DarrellBrooks
He's bringing up ... SUBJECT MATTER JURISDICTION.
#DarrellBrooks
He’s shouting #DarrellBrooks
Dorow: "You're just trying to delay the inevitable"
#DarrellBrooks is shouting about his constitutional rights
#DarrellBrooks is shouting about his constitutional rights
And now he’s going back to the other room. #DarrellBrooks.
Dorow wanted him in here for sentencing and Brooks wasn’t having it
Dorow wanted him in here for sentencing and Brooks wasn’t having it
We're back.
Dorow is beginning sentencing, saying that it is all focused on the day of the parade and events leading up and after, not his behavior in trial
Dorow: "Today I am tasked with sentencing Darrell Brooks on 76 counts"
Here we go.
Here we go.
1) Punishment, 2) Protection of the community, 3) What I hope is justice and closure
- Dorow
#DarrellBrooks
- Dorow
#DarrellBrooks
Dorow: "There is nothing, no other word that can describe what happened other than 'attack.' #DarrellBrooks
"He struck not 1, not 2, not 3, but 68 different people."
- Judge Dorow, adds that the number is higher.
- Judge Dorow, adds that the number is higher.
"Depraved indifference." - Dorow
"This was not a case of whodunnit. From the very beginning it was clear who did this. That is not to say I prejudged this case, I did not. but after sitting through this trial... it is clear the state had overwhelming evidence of Mr. Brooks' guilt." - Judge Dorow
#DarrellBrooks
#DarrellBrooks
"He spoke here for two hours. One sentence. That's it. I'm Sorry. No empathy. No remorse."
#DarrellBrooks
"That is not an indication or a sign of someone who has empathy, who is sorry for what he has done."
#DarrellBrooks
"That is not an indication or a sign of someone who has empathy, who is sorry for what he has done."
Dorow said she understands why #DarrellBrooks' family might cling to mental health issues, but for Mr. Brooks, "it's nothing more than indifference, deflection, and outright denial of what he did."
"I waited patiently for an apology. A true apology. I didn't get it, and not for my benefit, but for the victims." - Dorow
#DarrellBrooks
#DarrellBrooks
"The loss of life in this case is certainly one of the aggravating factors here today. thee number of people injured, also an aggravating factor." - Dorow
#DarrellBrooks
#DarrellBrooks
"This was not 1 act where Mr Brooks drove into a crowd of people. This was sustained driving from block to block to block to block picking off people that were unsuspecting, 68, 69 times. Driving over people as if they were nothing more than speed bumps" - Dorow
#DarrellBrooks
#DarrellBrooks
Dorow said Brooks leaving the car, walking through yards, ditching his shoes, all show he had no remorse, just wanted to flee.
#DarrellBrooks
#DarrellBrooks
“He was out on bond. The rules mean nothing to Mr. Brooks.” #DarrellBrooks
Dorow said for sentencing, the court does get to consider what the state wanted to bring up in trial, but weren't allowed.
#DarrellBrooks
#DarrellBrooks
Dorow is mentioning the incident with Patterson when #DarrellBrooks allegedly ran over her with the same SUV before the parade
Dorow said ther ar jail phone calls where #DarrellBrooks berated Erika Patterson, blaming her for what happened.
Dorow is reading off what Brooks said to Patterson, dropped an f-bomb and some other language.
(Sorry, FCC.)
(Sorry, FCC.)
"If I really tried to do something you wouldn't be on the phone now." #DarrellBrooks said to Patterson
#DarrellBrooks is holding that objection sign up, Dorow said she's aware but he forfeited his right to be in the room and he's not coming back in.
Dorow said a paternity case in Waukesha has brought multiple contempt charges, meaning he hadn't paid child support.
#DarrellBrooks
#DarrellBrooks
"You are not an instrumentality of God. Death may be inevitable to all of us, but you cut the lives of six individuals short. You. You alone, Mr. Brooks." - Judge Dorow
#DarrellBrooks
#DarrellBrooks
Dorow said she's considered that he needs treatment needs.
Said the DOC can evaluate him in a confined setting and provide treatment.
Said the DOC can evaluate him in a confined setting and provide treatment.
Dorow goes back to this -- 1) Punishment, 2) Protection of the community, 3) What I hope is justice and closure
Dorow tells #DarrellBrooks he has taken away birthdays, weddings, graduations, and other milestones from these families.
"Frankly, Mr. Brooks, no one is safe from you."
"Frankly, Mr. Brooks, no one is safe from you."
Applause in the courtroom
Dorow said she doesn't need to order the xtra 5 year eenhancer as there is no parole.
"Make no mistake, you used that vehicle as a battering ram"
"Make no mistake, you used that vehicle as a battering ram"
COUNTS 7-67: EACH COUNT: 17.5 YEARS
12 INITIAL CONFINEMENT
PLUS FIVE YEARS
CONSECUTIVE TO ANY OTHER SENTENCE.
12 INITIAL CONFINEMENT
PLUS FIVE YEARS
CONSECUTIVE TO ANY OTHER SENTENCE.
#DarrellBrooks as Judge Dorow reads 17.5 years for each of these charges
COUNTS 68-73: EACH COUNT: 25 years, 15 initial, 10 extended suprvision, concurrent to Count 1-6
RESTITUTION to be paid from prison money.
STATEMENT FROM CITY OF WAUKESHA #DarrellBrooks
VIDEO: The moment Judge Jennifer Dorow read all six life sentences for all victims killed by #DarrellBrooks
Does Waukesha County District Attorney Susan Opper think justice was served today?
Hear what she told me after the sentences were handed down against #DarrellBrooks
@SpectrumNews1WI
Hear what she told me after the sentences were handed down against #DarrellBrooks
@SpectrumNews1WI
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