Hit-and-Run With the Cops Hit-and-Run Killing Five People at the Waukesha Christmas Parade
At the Waukesha Christmas Parade on Nov. 24, a man responsible for killing five people drove his SUV down its center path, plowing directly into a crowd of cheering spectators — his latest high-profile incident from north Milwaukee. While mainstream media have heavily condemned Brooks’ case, influential podcasters and online commentators claim he’s been ignored because the case doesn’t fit their agendas.
Waukesha Police say Brooks had been involved in an altercation before driving onto the parade route on Monday at an undetermined speed and driving over or around people in a violent manner before speeding away again later that evening. He was ultimately arrested that evening on several charges.
Police Chief Daniel Thompson announced that those killed in this tragedy included Virginia Sorenson, 79; LeAnna Owen, 71; Tamara Durand 52, Jane Kulich 52 and Wilhelm Hospel 81 – all members of Waukesha Xtreme Dancers which has been around for decades.
Dylan Porth was present during the parade route and witnessed Brooks drive his SUV directly into the crowd before deliberately veering into it and intentionally striking out at people in an effort to kill. According to NBC News reports, Porth heard Brooks shout something prior to the accident occurring.
Porth and his 8-year-old son Mason were nearing the start of the parade when Brooks drove an SUV down its center route swerving and accelerating with no apparent reason, according to him.
Brooks caused at least 60 injuries in addition to killing five victims, according to police. He has been charged with several felonies including intentional homicide and hit-and-run with injuries as a result.
Brooks had an extensive criminal record dating back to 1999; it remains unknown what precipitated his deadly rampage that resulted in five fatalities and more than 40 injuries. A Wisconsin court records database shows he had just been released from jail earlier this year after being accused of punching the mother of his child before driving over her and sentencing himself to misdemeanor domestic violence charges.
Judge who sentenced Brooks for the Waukesha crime has ordered that more money will be distributed among his victims than what the state recommended.
Wisconsin Judges recently made history when they ordered a criminal to pay restitution to victims who have been affected by his actions, following an evidentiary hearing held in Waukesha County courtroom.
Prosecutors plan to increase Brooks’ payment from about $5 million to $25 million and require him to make restitution payments to victims’ families as well.
State officials had originally claimed that Brooks had been released from jail in Georgia where he was charged with similar violations, however according to Wisconsin prosecutors he disclosed to them he had been held for trial but had returned home since then and now faced his charge here in Wisconsin.