WAUKESHA, Wis. — A Milwaukee man has been charged with intentional homicide after police said he drove an SUV through a Wisconsin Christmas parade Sunday evening, leaving at least six people dead and 62 injured.
Prosecutors said a sixth person, 8-year-old Jackson Sparks, has died, and more charges will be filed soon. In a press release Tuesday evening, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin shared he passed away from injuries sustained at the parade.
In Brooks’ inital appearance Tuesday afternoon, the court set a cash bail at $5 million dollars.
“I know that it’s extraordinarily high bail, but it’s warranted here,” said Waukesha County Court Commissioner Kevin Costello.
As of Wednesday evening, United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County said they’ve raised $1.4M and counting for families affected by the tragedy.
At 4:39 p.m. CST Sunday, a red SUV was seen breaking through police barriers and speeding into the roadway where the parade was taking place. The SUV that was seen speeding through the parade was recovered near the scene.
The Waukesha Christmas Parade, held each year on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, is sponsored by the city’s Chamber of Commerce. This year’s event, the 59th, had the theme of “Comfort and joy.”
The five other victims are: Virginia Sorenson, 79, LeAnna Owen, 71, Tamara Durand, 52, Jane Kulich, 52, and Wilhelm Hospel, 81.
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