Waukesha Christmas Parade Suspect Faces Dozens of New Charges in Amended Complaint
Judge increases bail for Darrell Brooks in Milwaukee case; new lawyer appointed to represent him
WAUKESHA, Wis. (CBS 58) – The man accused of plowing through the Waukesha Holiday Parade, Darrell Brooks, is facing dozens of new charges after a revised lawsuit was filed Wednesday, Jan. .
Brooks fees currently include:
- Intentional first degree murder (six counts)
- First degree recklessly endangering safety (61 counts)
- Hit and run leading to death (six counts)
- Felony bails jump (twice)
- Small battery (two quantities)
The six counts of first-degree intentional murder were originally for dead victims. Most of the new charges detail dozens of people injured along the parade route.
One family said they were happy that all victims were recognized, but they added that no amount of justice could completely heal the pain.
Abortion: Darrell Brooks, a suspect in the Waukesha Christmas Parade attack, faces 71 new charges, including dozens of counts of Dangerous Safety first degree, dangerous weapon use
Looks like 1 person got hurt
Now he faces a total of 77 counts#Waukesha
– Kristen Barbaresi (@KristenBarbar) January 12, 2022
The family of 11-year-old Jessalyn Torres is still healing after the tragedy, both physically and emotionally. Her uncle, Ryan Kohnke, said, “It’s very visceral. It’s an emotional thing. It almost feels like nothing will be done that will equate to what has happened.”
Jessalyn recently returned home from the hospital after 24 days of recovery, but she is still undergoing throat procedures because scar tissue from the ventilator is obstructing her breathing.
Still, the news of the new charges is a positive step forward, according to Kohnke. “I spoke to my sister right before this. She’s really excited that Waukesha County is taking the time to read all of these allegations and include all of the victims. It’s really important. for the family healing process.”
Chad Wetterneck is the clinical director of trauma recovery services at Rogers Behavioral Health. “People should realize they can be affected by this for a long time,” he said.
Dr Wetterneck said that everyone affected directly or indirectly by the tragedy could have different paths to recovery, and while the new charges may help close the door for some, But that may not be true for everyone. “Emotionally, it has the potential to bring about the same reactions they felt when it happened and also experienced it right after.”
Kohnke is an Iraq veteran who sees parallels between his PTSD and what his children, family and community are going through. But he said that he and his fellow service members chose to take that risk; Waukesha community is not.
However, he can use his experience to help his loved ones deal with tragedy, and he says that includes accepting himself that may not be the end of the world. He said, “I don’t know if anything he said would change how I feel or the mental and physical scars this has caused our family and our community.”
Darrell Brooks is scheduled to appear in court on Friday, January 14 at 9:15 a.m
Brooks is accused of driving during the Waukesha Parade on November 21, killing six people and injuring dozens more. He is held on $5 million worth of bonds.
Over the past two decades, Brooks has had at least 12 convictions.
Read the complaint below:
