Six people were killed at the Waukesha Christmas parade. The accused pleads not guilty
WAUKESHA (Wis.) — Friday’s plea to a variety of criminal charges against a Milwaukee man who was accused of driving an SUV through a suburban Christmas parade and killing six people as well as injuring many more, was not accepted.
Darrell Brooks Jr., 39 entered pleas to 77 charges including six counts for homicide and multiple cases of reckless endangerment in a court appearance lasting less than five minutes. Brooks’ lawyers filed for a change in venue on Thursday. However, it is not known when this motion will be considered. Brooks is still held on $5 million bail.
Kevin Costello, the court commissioner, stated last month that Brooks had provided “ample” evidence that suggested he might have committed felonies. He ordered Brooks to stand trial.
Thomas Casey, a police detective, testified that Brooks drove his SUV through downtown Waukesha’s parade on Nov. 21.
Brooks described the vehicle’s zigzag across the street, running over marchers and smashing them from behind. Brooks inflicted injuries on 61 people, including six victims. Anna Kees, Brooks’ public defender, said that Brooks couldn’t turn the parade route off because side streets were blocked and full of spectators. She also noted that Brooks told detectives he didn’t intend to kill anyone, and that he couldn’t bear to look at photos of the destruction.
