Madison in the Morning

Madison in the Morning

Madison in the Morning, keeping Madison informed weekday mornings on 1310 WIBAFull Bio

 

Judge grants Waukesha parade attack suspect's motion to defend himself

WAUKESHA (WKOW) — The man accused of killing six and injuring dozens more when he drove through a crowd watching a Christmas parade in Waukesha will be able to represent himself at his upcoming trial. 

In court Wednesday, Judge Jennifer Dorow granted Brooks' motion to represent himself and dismissed attorneys Jeremy Perri and Anna Kees. 

"This court further finds that Mr. Brooks is competent to proceed, whether he refers to that proper, pro se, or simply self-represented," Dorow said in her finding. "He reads; he writes; he understands the English language; he’s been able to communicate with the court; he has no physical or psychological disability that impacts his ability to communicate with the court or to communicate a defense to the jury on his behalf." 

Brooks is facing more than 70 counts, including six counts of first-degree intentional homicide with use of a dangerous weapon, and 61 counts of first-degree recklessly endangering safety with use of a dangerous weapon.

Prior to saying her finding, Dorow called out behavior from Brooks during the motion hearing, which began Tuesday and continued into Wednesday. On both days, Brooks refused to answer some of Dorow's questions or say that he "understood" the charges — which at times led to tension in the courtroom. 

"At times, you press the court when there is something you don’t understand or believe is not going your way," Dorow said "But, to me, that’s a sign that you understand and are advocating on your behalf."

Dorow also repeatedly warned Brooks of the "difficulties and disadvantages" of representing himself. 

“I don’t see them as challenges, Your Honor, at all,” Brooks said at one point while Dorow explained the "difficulties" of acting as his own attorney. 

The trial is still scheduled to begin on Monday with jury selection.  

If convicted on the any of the homicide charges, Brooks faces life in prison. Each of the reckless endangerment counts carries a maximum penalty of 12 and a half years in prison, but a use of a dangerous weapons modifier adds another five years to each count. 

More at WKOW 27 News


Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content