WAUKESHA, Wis. — Jurors have found Darrell Brooks guilty of first-degree intentional homicide in the deaths at last year’s Christmas parade in Waukesha.
Brooks, 40, faced 76 charges stemming from the Waukesha Christmas parade incident on Nov. 21, 2021. The jury found Brooks guilty on all 76 counts, including six counts of first-degree intentional homicide, 61 counts of first-degree recklessly endangering safety, six counts of hit and run involving death, two counts of battery, and two counts of bail jumping.
Jurors began deliberations shortly before 6:30 p.m. Tuesday following jury instructions and both sides’ closing arguments. They returned to continue deliberating Wednesday morning. In total, jurors spent about three hours deliberating their verdict on each of the 76 charges.
Brooks and prosecutors will be back in court on Monday, Oct. 31 to discuss possible sentencing dates, but a sentencing hearing will not be held on that date. Under Wisconsin law, those convicted of first-degree intentional homicide receive a mandatory life sentence, but the judge could allow for him to be eligible for extended supervision at a later date.
Throughout the weekslong trial, Brooks, who represented himself, repeatedly interrupted Judge Jennifer Dorow, who had him removed to an adjacent courtroom multiple times to allow proceedings to continue. Brooks was able to follow along via video.
Brooks was also removed from the courtroom during the state’s closing arguments Tuesday afternoon after clashing with Dorow over courtroom decorum.
Waukesha County District Attorney Sue Opper focused largely on intent during her closing arguments, saying the evidence shows it was an intentional act and that Brooks had multiple opportunities to stop.
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“It’s time for Darrell Brooks to stop running, it’s time for him to stop lying, it’s time for him to be held accountable for his actions,” Opper said. “Darrell Brooks cowardly rammed his way through this parade, violently killing and injuring so many people.”
A criminal complaint alleged multiple officers told Brooks to stop before he drove into the parade route after leaving another crime scene and that he sped up as he approached people in the parade. It also alleged Brooks made no effort to avoid people in his path.
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After returning to the courtroom following the state’s arguments Tuesday afternoon, Brooks and Dorow sparred over whether Brooks could discuss jury nullification — which he argued would allow the jury to deliver a not guilty verdict even if they believe him to be guilty in order to send a social message — in his closing arguments.
Despite Dorow saying Brooks was not allowed to do so, he did bring up jury nullification at the beginning of his remarks, prompting an objection from Opper.
Brooks told jurors he believed “there’s a lot of information that you guys should be privy to,” including the jury nullification argument. He also slammed Opper for what he called her “theatrics” and “clearly rehearsed speeches.”
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He acknowledged the incident was a tragedy but took issue with being called a killer.
“Throughout this year, I’ve been called a lot of things, and to be fair, I am a lot of things,” he said, wiping his eyes. “Murderer is not one of them.”
Brooks had previously pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity but later withdrew that plea.
This report is breaking and will be updated; stay with News 3 Now and Channel 3000 for more information as it becomes available.
Brady Mallory contributed to this report.
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