WAUKESHA: The Waukesha Christmas Parade tragedy suspect Darrell Brooks has been charged with five counts of first-degree intentional homicide.
The Waukesha Christmas Parade tragedy has claimed another life as prosecutors announced the death of 8-year-old Jackson Sparks in court, the sixth death died to the parade.
Darrell Brooks, made his first appearance in court. His hands were shackled and wearing what appeared to be a bulletproof vest.
The 39-year-old Milwaukee man has been charged with five counts of first-degree intentional homicide.
Then during the hearing, prosecutors announced that a sixth person had since died, Sparks.
Sparks’ older brother was also injured and is recovering in the intensive care unit.The Sparks family have set up a GoFundMe to help pay for expenses during this difficult time.
“I think when things like this happen it’s just important to be together in community,” said Susan Lewis,
The other victims include four women and a man, ranging in age from 52 to 81.
According to a court complaint, Brooks first brushed a police detective, who “pounded on the driver’s side door yelling, ‘stop.”
Brooks did not stop but allegedly drove into the parade procession while the detective gave chase. He then allegedly sped up and the detective “heard on the police radio that the vehicle was striking people,” the complaint said.
“While the defendant was driving westbound on East Main Street, he struck numerous pedestrians, which included both parade participants and spectators located on the side of the street,” the complaint said.
An officer who saw Brooks “observed the driver looking straight ahead, directly at him, and it appeared he had no emotion on his face” as he drove about 25 miles per hour, speeding up and honking his horn as the officer yelled for him to stop.
Brooks’ bail has been set at $5 million, which would have to be paid full in cash, and an additional homicide charge is expected. His next court appearance is scheduled for January.
