Nate (00:00):
The man who drove his SUV through a Christmas parade in Waukesha, Wisconsin last year now faces life in prison. Darrell Brooks was convicted yesterday of six counts of intentional homicide and 61 counts of reckless endangerment, plus nine other charges. Six people were killed and dozens more were injured in the attack. We warn you, the video is disturbing. Roxana Saberi is outside the courthouse in Waukesha just west of Milwaukee. Roxana, good morning.
Roxana Saberi (00:28):
Good morning, Nate. Darrell Brooks represented himself in a three week trial that saw him clash with the judge on several occasions. In the end, the jury deliberated for just over three hours before reaching its verdict.
Speaker 3 (00:41):
We the jury find the defendant, Darrell E Brooks, guilty of first degree intentional homicide.
Roxana Saberi (00:48):
Darrell Brooks hung his head as the judge read the 76 guilty verdicts.
Speaker 4 (00:54):
Burn in hell you piece of (beep).
Roxana Saberi (00:55):
One man was removed from court after that outburst.
Speaker 5 (00:59):
We are satisfied that this defendant has been held accountable for his actions.
Roxana Saberi (01:03):
The 40 year old was convicted of driving his Ford Escape through a Christmas parade in Waukesha, Wisconsin on November 21st. He killed six people and wounded dozens more. Ryan Khonke’s niece, Jessalyn Torres was badly injured in the parade. What do you think this decision will mean for the healing of families like yours and other families?
Ryan Khonke (01:23):
I think it’s a huge step forward. I think this gives everybody an opportunity to have some sort of closure.
Roxana Saberi (01:29):
79-year-old Virginia Sorenson was performing with her troupe, The Dancing Granny’s, when she was killed. After the verdict, her son Marshall recalled his mom’s favorite saying, “Angels watch over you.”
Speaker 7 (01:42):
My five-year-old daughter came up to me and handed me this necklace with my mom’s ashes in it, and she told me to take my mom with us for the sentencing. So, she was with us today.
Roxana Saberi (01:57):
The judge set a hearing for Monday to schedule a date for sentencing. Brooks can appeal his convictions. Tony?
Tony (02:06):
All right, Roxana. Thank you very much.