The stage is set for Darrell Brooks to confront victims and prosecutors during Wednesday’s sentencing, a day that was punctuated by emotional outbursts from dozens of victims. The result of this will be a lifetime in jail for Brooks.
The courthouse in Waukesha County was called into the Center Communication when an anonymous threat was made towards it. The courtroom was cleared on Tuesday morning and statements were cut short when a hearing, which was part of Brooks’ two-day sentencing, was impacted. However, after a lengthy trial, those whose lives were shattered by Brooks’ attack were able to tell their stories during the city’s holiday parade.
On Wednesday, Jennifer Dorow, the Circuit County Judge, will offer sentencing statements before Brooks’ hearing in Waukesha. During the hearing, victims will read impact statements about the injuries they suffered and the loved ones they lost. Brooks, a 40-year-old from Milwaukee, was convicted of killing six people and injuring dozens of others by driving through the Christmas Parade in 2021.
During his weeks-long trial, Brooks, wearing a surgical mask once again, chuckled at times as he read the Bible, bowing his head. He displayed muted emotions as the statements were presented in court.
Following a distressing head injury, Jackson tragically passed away and Brooks’ sports utility vehicle collided with both of her sons. Sheri Sparks attended the Waukesha Christmas Parade to observe her sons, Tucker and Jackson Sparks, participate in the procession alongside their baseball team.
Sparks expressed in her statement, “Can you comprehend the heart-wrenching experience of elucidating to your 12-year-old son that his younger sibling won’t survive?” She further stated that Jackson was “forcefully torn away from their existence.”
She mentioned that her surviving son still experiences survivors’ remorse, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), uneasiness, and migraines due to his head trauma.
“As the protective older sibling, he holds himself responsible,” Sparks stated.
Statements cut short after mass shooting threat
As per Waukesha County deputies, the courthouse was evacuated on Tuesday morning after receiving a serious threat of a mass shooting, which enabled a few victims to present their statements. Subsequently, deputies positioned themselves at the courtroom windows to provide security.
After approximately one hour, officials determined that the courthouse was secure enough for proceedings to resume, but they heightened security measures.
“The sheriff has reassured me that this structure is completely secure,” Dorow mentioned.
A probe into the danger is currently in progress.
The parade attack has left long-lasting impacts, victims say
Most impact statements revealed that victims’ healing journeys are far from over, as they struggle with recurring nightmares, flashbacks and lasting injuries.
Jessica Gonzalez, whose son participated in the parade alongside his baseball team, remarked, “Yesterday felt like it was still some days in the past, almost like the beginning of a new year, on November 21, 2021.”
Gonzalez expressed, “We are not.” “We are doing well, correct?” Gonzalez uttered. “That should mark the conclusion, correct?” However, her family is still recuperating from the catastrophe, she managed to locate her son amidst the debris.
Sometimes she is afraid to leave her house, especially now as the holiday season approaches, she said that she has changed the way she displays her emotions. Sasha Catalan-Castillo was struck by an SUV as she walked with the South Waukesha High School marching band.
“I still struggle to this day,” Catalan-Castillo said. “I keep moving forward, but I don’t know when the nightmares will go away.”.
Waukesha South band member victim thanks Judge Dorow
As a high school student who participated in the Waukesha South marching band, Tyler Pudleiner was hit by Brooks’ car. He had to be admitted to the hospital for six days as a result of the injuries sustained.
During the court proceedings, he expressed remorse and made a point to personally express gratitude to her for her “politeness and highest regard”. In his official statement, he acknowledged that at times, he experienced frustration that Dorow was unable to take stronger actions to quell Brooks’ frequent disruptions, which frequently disrupted or postponed the trial.
“You’ve truly become like a mother and a true hero this community, and for that, we appreciate you, Judge Dorow,” he said.
Additionally, Judge Dorow received a flood of fan mail during the Waukesha parade trial.
Brooks rolled his eyes a few times as Pudleiner recited his statement.
Sentence 1: Due to his criminal actions, Brooks is confronting a minimum of six life sentences and the possibility of being imprisoned for hundreds of extra years.Sentence 2: Dorow will pronounce the verdict at 1 p.M. On Wednesday.
Owen family members speak of memories and nightmares
One of Owen’s sons, Chris, now speaks about the memories of Leanna, who died and has now become a source of pain.
“All of that has been taken away,” Owen remarked. “Now my father has haunting dreams of her body soaring.”
Darrell Brooks looked out of the back window of his SUV and smiled, remembering the anger in his voice as he said, “That’s the truth he told. I believe him. And Darrell Brooks’ conscience is clear.” “I saw you that day, pure evil and unrepentant.”
Owen Matt, another son, spoke in abject anger and said, “I will never be over this day until the grave, I’m pissing on your grave.”
Durand’s brother criticizes Brooks’ cartoonish defense
Durand Tamara, the brother of the victim Michael Carlson, focused on both Brooks’ actions in his sovereign courtroom and his repeated refusal to identify himself by his own name, when he challenged the jurisdiction of the court.
“Mr. Brooks, I want you to find no solace in this fictional universe you have constructed,” Carlson expressed.
At the conclusion of the trial, it was argued in the courtroom that the temporary removal of Brooks and Dorow resulted in the dismissal of a previously raised point. Brooks attempted to challenge whether Dorow, who had worked in the past with Brooks’ father, Carlson, was biased, based on comments made by Carlson.
Dorow stated, “It is an evident effort to cause disruption,” implying that Brooks was attempting to divert attention from the statements made by the victim. “Today is a highly emotional day for all individuals involved.”
Family of Ginny Sorenson expresses their pain
During the parade, Marshall Sorenson, who introduced himself as the son of Virginia Sorenson, who was referred to as the “slain mother”, recollected being informed about the circumstances surrounding his mother’s death and the challenges he has faced in coping with that reality.
Sorenson pleaded with the judge to validate the compulsory life sentences, stating, “Mr. Brooks, due to your deeds, my mother will never have the opportunity to embrace her one final time. My daughters were deprived of this experience because of the actions (of Brooks).”
He also cheered Dorow. “When I was a kid, many of my heroes wore capes. This one wore a robe,” he said.
She expressed, “Upon initially learning of her absence, I began shedding tears and I persist in shedding tears every evening.” Additionally, Brooke, one of Marshall’s daughters, shared that she longed for her grandmother’s commentary while engaging in foot races with her siblings.
Sean Sorenson, Virginia’s eldest son, stated that his mother, who worked as a nurse in medical records, “never allowed anything to impede her progress” until Brooks caused her demise.
“He is merely a revolting individual who has displayed no regret for his deeds,” stated he of Brooks, including, “Merely uttering that name evokes fury and animosity.”
Sorenson Sean was also condemned, along with Dawn Woods, Brooks’ mother, for assisting him in securing his release from jail in Milwaukee after being charged with assault against his ex-girlfriend. Additionally, John Chisholm, the District Attorney of Milwaukee County, was criticized for the involvement of his office in Brooks’ release in November of last year.
He expressed, “Guardian beings will protect and empower each one of us,” but J.J. Watt, the local from Waukesha who provided financial aid to the family after the parade incident, also expressed gratitude towards court officials and her spouse, Dave Sorenson.
“When it snows like it did this morning, I imagine it as a blanket” of love from his wife, Dave Sorenson said.
Kulich family addresses grief
At the medical facility, Taylor Kulich, the eldest daughter of Jane Kulich, who tragically lost her life, recounted the moment her “spirit dropped” upon hearing the news of her mother’s passing.
Jane expressed, “She possessed a distinct connection with each of her grandchildren.” Taylor mentioned that she “cried for our family” upon experiencing the loss of a beloved family member, becoming emotional while discussing family pictures that were presented.
She exclaimed, “I can’t wait to hear about the day when you are no longer imprisoned and your smile is as radiant as ever.”
Alisha Kulich, the youngest daughter of Jane, expressed that she “experienced various emotions regarding the matter, but my predominant feeling is sorrow.”
“I can vividly recount every minute aspect of that fateful day,” Alisha recalled, grasping the gravity of the situation as the family made their way to the hospital and encountered other affected individuals. Back then, I was a 17-year-old embarking on my final year of high school.
Alisha, with tears streaming down her face, expressed, “I experienced the same thing as another family is currently experiencing, feeling frightened whenever I hear sirens on numerous occasions.”
She exclaimed, “Just by yourself stopping could have been the right thing to do when asking the jury, remember that.”
Waukesha County DA Sue Opper asks for harsh sentence
Sue Opper, the District Attorney of Waukesha County, was both detailed and direct in explaining why Brooks felt that he should spend his life in prison.
Opper briefly reviewed Brooks’ criminal history dating back more than 20 years, which includes charges of felony domestic violence and a felony warrant for arrest in Georgia, as well as charges of battery and felony possession of THC in Wisconsin.
“It’s very plain on its face. He is a lifelong criminal,” Opper said. “This man has a history of engaging in violence.”.
She included the legal system for showing contempt and disrespect towards his trial inside the courtroom. She acted as a cowardly narcissist, calling them names and engaging in violent acts against the victims, specifically mowing over Brooks. She made it clear that the facts are very evident, stating that “the facts are clear.” She also mentioned that she didn’t want to spend any more time talking about the attack parade.
Dorow merely instructed him to “hush.” Brooks interjected at an inappropriate time, asserting “I refuse to remain silent and endure disrespect” amidst her remarks.
“Darrell Brooks is the embodiment of wickedness,” Opper said, vehemently retorting.
She requested for sequential durations, “piled statements,” to the maximum extent lawfully permitted under Wisconsin regulations.
She said that there is not one thing that mitigates this sentence, including the fact that he earns 50% of whatever restitution is included in the sentence he deserves in maximum, “count every on” prison.
Starting the hearing on Wednesday at noon, which was an hour earlier than anticipated, Dorow made the decision. Dorow mentioned that before Brooks himself addresses the court, it seems that three individuals will be present. Statements advocating for Brooks on Wednesday, prior to his sentencing, are yet to be delivered.
This narrative will be revised throughout the day.