Waukesha Christmas Parade Killer Sentenced To Life In Prison

Image copyright: The Milwaukee Sentinel Journal [via USA Today]

The Facts

  • On Wednesday, Darrell Brooks was sentenced to the maximum sentence of life in prison without parole for driving his SUV into a Waukesha, Wis., Christmas parade last year, killing six and injuring many others.

  • The sentence comes on 76 charges, including six counts of first-degree intentional homicide and 61 counts of reckless endangerment.


The Spin

Narrative A

While this sentencing is a step forward, it's overshadowed by an alarmingly lax trial. Judge Dorow was far too lenient with Brooks, which not only emboldened him but also set a distressing precedent. With disrespect for the US judicial system only growing, trials like this need to be squashed before others can repeat his behavior.

Narrative B

Though Brooks tried to use claims of mental illness and disruptive tactics in court, Judge Dorow pushed through what was a harrowing case. She delivered multiple life sentences as sought by the victims — a verdict that attests to the success of the US judicial system.


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