WAUKESHA, Wis. — A Milwaukee man has been charged with intentional homicide after police said he drove an SUV through a Wisconsin Christmas parade, leaving six people dead and 62 injured.
Prosecutors charged Darrell Brooks, 39, with intentional homicide in the deaths of five people who were killed when an SUV was driven into a Waukesha Christmas parade last Sunday.
A sixth person, 8-year-old Jackson Sparks, also died, and more charges are expected 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.
A red SUV was seen breaking through police barriers at and speeding into the roadway where the parade was taking place last Sunday. 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.”
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.
The five other victims are: Virginia Sorenson, 79, LeAnna Owen, 71, Tamara Durand, 52, Jane Kulich, 52, and Wilhelm Hospel, 81.
Follow along for updates below:
