The Wisconsin man who drove his vehicle through a parade last year, killing six people, has been found guilty.
According to The Hill, a jury in Wisconsin found Darrell Brooks, 40, guilty of six counts of first-degree intentional homicide for his role in the deadly 2021 incident. Brooks was found guilty of all 76 charges he faced, which included recklessly endangering safety, hit-and-run causing death, bail jumping, and misdemeanor battery.
Brooks will most likely spend the rest of his life behind bars, as he faces a mandatory life sentence on each count of first-degree intentional homicide. There is the possibility that he will receive additional jail time on the other charges, according to the outlet.
Brooks was in his Ford Escape when he ran the vehicle
into a Christmas parade on November 21 in Waukesha, located approximately 15 miles from Milwaukee. He had just gotten into a domestic dispute with an ex-girlfriend moments before doing so. His action led to six people being killed and a significant number of people injured. The victims of the attack ranged in age between 8 and 81.NPR reported that the jury needed only 3 hours and 15 minutes to reach a verdict.
Earlier this year, Brooks pleaded not guilty by reason of mental disease, but ended up withdrawing the plea before the trial started. He gave no reason for the change and, right before the trial, he dismissed his public defenders and decided that he would represent himself.
Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul responded to the verdict via his social media account:
“The defendant’s despicable actions caused heartbreaking loss and pain. I am grateful to the many people who ensured that he was convicted and will face the consequences for his heinous crimes. My thoughts are with the people of Waukesha, who have responded to this horrific attack with such incredible resolve, unity, and strength.”