UPDATE: Only one patient remains in Children’s Hospital care, following tragedy in Waukesha

TUESDAY 12/14/2021 7:23 P.M.

WAUKESHA, Wis. (WRFV)- The Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin has new details regarding its remaining patients from the Waukesha Christmas Parade Massacre.

The Hospital is happy to share, that two of the three injured patients have been discharged as of Tuesday, December 14.

As of Tuesday, only one child remains in the Hospital’s care since the incident. According to Hospital officials, the remaining patient is currently in “fair condition.”

No other information has been released regarding the patients currently being treated at the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. To find out more information about the Hospital, you can always check out their website online.

UPDATE: Three remaining patients at Children’s Hospital in “fair condition,”

TUESDAY 12/07/2021 2:09 p.m.

WAUKESHA, Wis. (WFRV)- The Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin has released the latest on the patients in its care from the Waukesha Christmas Parade incident.

As of Tuesday, December 7, the three remaining children have all been moved to “fair condition” treatment.

The Hospital says that since December 2nd, two more children were sent home following the tragedy that occurred on November 21st. That leaves only three of the initial 7 patients the hospital has been caring for.

No other information regarding the patients has been released at this time. Local Five will continue to update this story when new information is made public.

UPDATE: Two more children sent home, one in serious condition after Waukesha parade incident

WEDNESDAY 12/1/2021 4:45 p.m.

WAUKESHA, Wis. (WFRV) – Two more children were sent home to recover after being injured in the Christmas Parade incident in Waukesha on Nov. 21.

According to Children’s Wisconsin, they originally had 18 kids and families at the beginning. Now, they are caring for four kids who are in fair condition and one child who is in serious condition.

It is important for the community to understand that while the medical conditions of the children involved have improved, many face a journey of long recovery as a result of serious injuries.
Children’s Wisconsin

Hospital staff says Children’s Wisconsin will no longer provide daily updates due to the focus shifting from saving lives to recovery.

UPDATE: Sixth intentional homicide charge filed against man that drove through Waukesha Parade

MONDAY 11/29/21 3:02 p.m.

WAUKESHA, Wis. (WFRV)- The man accused of driving through a Waukesha Christmas parade that killed six people, one of which an 8-year-old child, faces additional charges in court.

Darrell Brooks is now facing 6 “first-degree intentional homicide” charges, as of Monday, November 29.

According to the criminal complaint, the sixth intentional homicide charge is related to “Victim F” who was pronounced dead on November 23. This victim was confirmed a child and their death was due to blunt force trauma to the head as a result of being hit by Brook’s car according to the Waukesha County Medical Examiner.

Brooks is accused of driving an SUV through a Christmas Parade, that along with sixth confirmed deaths, also injured more than 60 different people.

The Children’s Wisconsin is currently treating 7 victims of the massacre as of today, those patients are in different levels of care following their injuries. According to the latest details released by the Hospital; three are in serious condition, three patients are in fair conditions, and one is in good condition as of Monday, November 29.

No other information has been released at this time. Local Five will continue to update this story as new details are made public.

UPDATE: Children’s Wisconsin treating 7 victims from parade crash

MONDAY 11/29/2021 1:09 p.m.

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Children’s Wisconsin said seven patients injured in last weekend’s Christmas parade crash in suburban Milwaukee are still being treated at the hospital.

The facility originally received 16 patients after the driver of a red SUV roared through the parade in Waukesha, killing six people and injuring more than 60. One Children’s Wisconsin patient was released on Sunday, another on Friday and another was able to come home for Thanksgiving.

Out of the seven remaining patients, four are in serious condition, two are in fair condition and one is in good condition. Darrell Brooks Jr. is accused of speeding away from police and entering the parade, refusing to stop even as an officer banged on the hood of his SUV.

Five adults and one child were killed in the crash.

UPDATE: 9th child injured during Waukesha parade incident discharged from hospital

SUNDAY 11/28/2021 3:11 p.m.

WAUKESHA, Wis. (WFRV) – Sunday marks one week since the tragic events of the Waukesha Christmas Parade incident unfolded, and fortunately, one more child injured during the incident has returned home from the hospital.

According to the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, a ninth child has been discharged from the hospital. Medical experts confirm that there are seven children remaining under their care.

Their conditions are as follows:

Three are in serious condition
Three are in fair condition
One is in good condition

Health officials with the hospital say they will continue being committed to supporting kids and families who are reflecting after the parade and the impact it has had on their lives.

They say families who need support are able to call the Children’s Wisconsin Mental and Behavioral Health Helpline at (414) 266-6500. You can also call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at (800) 985-5990.

UPDATE: 8 children injured during Waukesha parade incident remain in hospital

SATURDAY 11/27/2021 5:00 p.m.

WAUKESHA, Wis. (WFRV) – One more child who was injured during the Waukesha Christmas Parade incident on Nov. 21, has returned home from the hospital, according to medical experts from the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin.

The hospital announced that on Saturday the child was well enough to go home.

This leaves eight patients still receiving medical treatment at the hospital. The conditions for these patients are:

Four remain in serious condition
Two are in fair condition
Two are in good condition

Health officials with the hospital say they will continue being committed to supporting kids and families who are reflecting after the parade and the impact it has had on their lives.

Update: One more child injured during deadly Waukesha parade incident will be home for the holidays

FRIDAY 11/26/2021 3:08 p.m.

WAUKESHA, Wis. (WFRV) – One more child was able to return home from Children’s Wisconsin on Thanksgiving to continue their recovery after they were among the over 20 people injured during the Christmas parade incident in Waukesha on November 21.

Earlier this week, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin medical experts announced three kids were able to go home just in time for Thanksgiving.

That left 10 more patients under the hospital’s care.

Fortunately, on Friday, officials confirmed that yet another child was well enough to make it home for Thanksgiving too.

Nine patients are reportedly still receiving medical treatment for injuries they suffered at the Waukesha parade. The conditions for these patients are:

Four in serious condition
Three in fair condition
Two in good condition

Health officials with the hospital say they will continue being committed to supporting kids and families who are reflecting after the parade and the impact it has had on their lives.

UPDATE: Three kids injured in Waukesha parade incident sent home for Thanksgiving

WEDNESDAY 11/24/2021 4:50 p.m.

WAUKESHA, Wis. (WFRV) – Three kids, who were injured during the Christmas parade incident in Waukesha, will be home for Thanksgiving, announces officials with the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin.

According to a release, the children will continue their recovery from home during the holiday.

Ten more patients are still at the hospital. Health officials say the following are the conditions of those patients:

Five in critical condition.
Two in fair condition.
Three in good condition.

Health officials with the hospital say they will continue being committed to supporting kids and families who are reflecting after the parade and the impact it has had on their lives.

UPDATE: Sixth person dies after man drives through Waukesha parade, suspect held on $5 million bail

TUESDAY 11/23/2021 / 5:45 p.m.

WAUKESHA, Wis. (WFRV) – The man that drove through a Christmas parade in Waukesha appeared in court Tuesday afternoon.

According to court records, there are five counts of 1st-Degree Intentional Homicide filed against 39-year-old Darrell Brooks. During the court appearance, it was announced that a child has died and the State intends on filing a sixth intentional homicide charge. Officials say that there are 62 people injured.

According to the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, 13 children remain hospitalized at this time. Six are in critical condition, three are in fair condition and four are in good condition. Two families were able to take their children home Monday where they will continue to recover at home.

Brooks is being held on a $5 million cash bond due to his criminal history. Each charge carries a life sentence.

Authorities say there was no evidence of a terrorist act but Brooks was allegedly leaving the scene of a domestic dispute that had taken place earlier when he drove through the parade route.

According to the criminal complaint, witnesses told police that the vehicle “appeared to be intentionally moving side to side,” with no attempt to slow down or stop as it struck multiple people and sent bodies and objects flying.

The criminal complaint said a police officer shot at the vehicle, striking it three times, and a detective stepped in front of Brooks’ vehicle and pounded on the hood, shouting “Stop,” several times but Brooks drove past him. The complaint said the detective was wearing police insignia and a neon orange safety vest.

For those wanting to help the victims of the parade, the Waukesha County Community Foundation and United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County have come together to form the “United for Waukesha Community Fund” which will provide funds to be used for by the families impacted.

Brooks is scheduled to be back in court on January 14.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

UPDATE: SUV driver facing five counts of intentional homicide, no evidence of terrorism

MONDAY 11/22/2021 1:26 p.m.

(WFRV) – The man who drove through a Christmas Parade in Waukesha is facing five counts of First Degree Intentional Homicide.

According to authorities, 39-year-old Darrell Brooks is being charged with five counts of First Degree Intentional Homicide. There will be additional charges that will come in time.

Authorities say there was no evidence of a terrorist act. The Waukesha Police Department identified the five people who died. Out of the five people, four were women and one male. The ages ranged from 52-years-old to 81-years-old.

The Waukesha Police released the name and age of the victim who they can confirm have been lost following the massacre. The following are victims from November 21:

Virginia Sorenson
- 79-year-old woman
LeAnna Owen
- 71-year-old woman
Tamara Durand
- 52-year-old woman
Jane Kulich
- 52-year-old woman
Wilhelm Hospel
- 81-year-old man

Along with the names of the victims and details of the event, the WPD also shared resources on a variety of topics including legal help, counseling, and how to assist in the investigation.

For anyone who may have witnessed or experienced a traumatic event. To be put in contact with a trained counselor, anyone can call or text 800-985-5990 anytime, 24/7.

At Carroll University, a “Friends and Family Resource Center” will be in place inside the Campus Center Ballroom on Tuesday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. along with the District Attorney Victim Assistance Program. They can also be emailed at help4victims@da.wi.gov.

Citizens and off-duty first responders who were at the parade reportedly helped bring victims to the hospital.

The number of people that were injured increased to 48.

Two children remain in critical condition. They are among the 48 injured.
— Eric Richards (@EricRichards) November 22, 2021

Authorities also say that they are confident that Brooks acted alone. According to the chief, police were not pursuing the suspect when he entered the parade route, but an officer did fire a shot to try to stop him but ceased firing because of the danger to others. The driver was not injured.

Local 5 will continue to update this story.

‘Inappropriately low’: DA’s Office reviewing decision regarding SUV driver’s previous bail

MONDAY 11/22/2021 12:20 p.m.

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (WFRV) – The Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office is doing an internal review after the SUV driver who plowed through the Waukesha Christmas Parade was released on a $1,000 cash bail ten days before the incident.

The Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office released a statement regarding 39-year-old Darrell Brooks’ two previous bail amounts. On Nov. 21 an SUV went through the Waukesha Christmas Parade leaving multiple people dead and even more injured.

Back on July 27, 2020, the District Attorney’s Office issued two counts of Second Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety and Felon In Possession of a Firearm. The cash bail was reportedly first set at $10,000 which was later reduced to $7,500.

Officials say that Wisconsin requires payment for the full amount of bail set in any criminal case.

Then on Feb. 9, 2021, the State was ready to head to a scheduled jury trial. Brooks was still in custody and reportedly made a demand for a speedy jury trial. Due to another jury trial in progress, Brooks’ demand for a speedy jury trial could not be met.

The case was then adjourned and bail was reduced to $500, which Brooks posted on Feb. 21.

Nearly nine months later on Nov. 5, the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office issued charges of Second Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety, Felony Bail Jumping, Battery, Obstructing an Officer and Disorderly Conduct.

The State made a cash bail request of $1,000, which was set by the court. Brooks posted the $1,000 cash bail on Nov. 11.

Officials say that the bail recommendation in that case was ‘inappropriately low’ due to the nature of the charges. It was also mentioned that the bail recommendation in the case was not consistent with the District Attorney’s Office regarding matters with violent crime.

The office says they are currently doing an internal review of the decision to make the recent bail recommendation in the matter to figure out the appropriate next steps.

All of this information was provided to Local 5 via the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office.

No further information was provided, Local 5 will continue to update this story.

UPDATE: 39-year-old Milwaukee man identified as SUV driver in parade crash

MONDAY 11/22/2021 8:58 a.m.

WAUKESHA, Wis. (AP) — A person taken into custody after an SUV plowed into a holiday parade killing at least five people, has been identified as 39-year-old Darrell Brooks.

Police haven’t yet identified the “person of interest” they are holding. But two law enforcement officials briefed on the matter provided the identification to The Associated Press. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.

Online court records showed a person named Darrell Brooks, with a birthdate making him 39, has two open criminal cases in Milwaukee County. In one case, filed Nov. 5, he is charged with resisting or obstructing an officer, reckless homicide, disorderly conduct, bail jumping and battery. Records show $500 cash bond was posted Nov. 19.

Court records also show Brooks having a residence in Milwaukee.

There will reportedly be a vigil for those who passed away and those who were injured from the incident. The vigil will be hosted at Cutler Park. More information on the event can be found online.

A new fund was created to help support the needs of the families impacted by the incident. More information on how to donate can be found here. According to Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, they are currently caring for several children. Six of them are listed in critical condition and 3 others are in serious condition. According to the Associated Press, a total of 18 patients were taken to Children’s Hospital including three sets of siblings. They have all suffered various injuries from head injuries, broken bones and scrapes.

In the other case, filed in July 2020, Brooks is charged with reckless endangering and illegal possession of a firearm.

UPDATE: Investigators look at if parade crash driver fleeing crime

MONDAY 11/22/2021 7:27 a.m.

WAUKESHA, Wis. (AP) — Investigators are examining whether the person who drove an SUV through a Christmas parade in suburban Milwaukee may have been fleeing from a crime when he crashed into the paradegoers, a law enforcement official briefed on the matter told The Associated Press.

The investigators were questioning a person in custody about that incident, which the official described as an altercation involving a knife.

The official, who cautioned the investigation was still in the early stages and was continuing to develop, could not discuss the investigation publicly and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.

The city of Waukesha posted on its social media accounts that it could confirm at least five died and more than 40 were injured at the Sunday parade, while noting that it was still collecting information.

UPDATE: 5 dead, 40 injured after SUV speeds into Waukesha Christmas Parade

MONDAY 11/22/2021 5:15 a.m.

WAUKESHA, Wis. (AP) — A joyous scene of marching bands and children dancing in Santa hats and waving pompoms turned deadly in an instant, as an SUV sped through barricades and into a Christmas parade in suburban Milwaukee, killing at least five people and injuring more than 40 others.

One video showed a woman screaming, “Oh my God!” repeatedly as a group of young dancers was struck Sunday. A father talked of going “from one crumpled body to the other” in search of his daughter. Members of a “Dancing Grannies” club were among those hit.

The city of Waukesha posted on its social media accounts late Sunday that it could confirm at least five died and more than 40 were injured, while noting that it was still collecting information. The city’s statement also noted that many people took themselves to hospitals. The city did not release any additional information about those who died.

A “person of interest” was in custody, Waukesha Police Chief Dan Thompson said, but he gave no details about the person or any possible motive. The investigation was ongoing, with assistance from the Wisconsin Department of Justice.

“What took place in Waukesha today is sickening, and I have every confidence that those responsible will be brought to justice,” Attorney General Josh Kaul, the state’s top law enforcement officer, tweeted.

The horror was recorded by the city’s livestream and onlookers’ cellphones. One video shows the moment the SUV broke through the barricades and the sound of what appears to be several gunshots. Thompson said a Waukesha police officer fired his gun to try to stop the vehicle. No bystanders were injured by the gunfire, and Thompson said he did not know if the driver was struck by the officer’s bullets.

Another video shows a young child dancing in the street as the SUV speeds by, just a few feet from her, before it hurtles into parade participants a few hundred feet ahead. One video, of dancers with pompoms, ends with a group of people tending to a girl on the ground.

Police tape cordons off a street in Waukesha, Wis., after an SUV plowed into a Christmas parade hitting multiple people Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps)
A police officer uses a flashlight while looking for evidence in downtown Waukesha, Wis., after an SUV sped through a barricade and slammed into a Christmas parade, injuring multiple people Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps)

“There were pompoms and shoes and spilled hot chocolate everywhere. I had to go from one crumpled body to the other to find my daughter,” Corey Montiho, a Waukesha school district board member, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “My wife and two daughters were almost hit. Please pray for everybody. Please pray.”

The Milwaukee Dancing Grannies posted on its Facebook page that “members of the group and volunteers were impacted and we are waiting for word on their conditions.” The group’s profile describes them as a “group of grannies that meet once a week to practice routines for summer and winter parades.”

A Catholic priest, multiple parishioners and Waukesha Catholic schoolchildren were among those injured, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee spokeswoman Sandra Peterson said.

Chris Germain, co-owner of the Aspire Dance Center studio, had about 70 people in the parade ranging from as young as 2 being pulled in wagons to age 18. Germain, whose 3-year-old daughter was in the parade, said he was driving at the head of their entry when he saw a maroon SUV that “just blazed right past us.” A police officer ran past in chase. Germain said he jumped out of his own SUV and gathered the girls who were with him to safety.

Then he walked forward to see the damage.

“There were small children laying all over the road, there were police officers and EMTs doing CPR on multiple members of the parade,” he said.

Angelito Tenorio, a West Allis alderman who is running for Wisconsin state treasurer, said he was watching the parade with his family when they saw the SUV come speeding into the area.

“Then we heard a loud bang,” Tenorio said. “And after that, we just heard deafening cries and screams from the crowd, from the people at the parade. And people started rushing, running away with tears in their eyes, crying.”

The Waukesha school district canceled classes Monday and said in a notice on its website that extra counselors would be on hand for students and staff. The parade’s list of entries included cheer, dance and band entries associated with district schools.

Gov. Tony Evers said he and his wife, Kathy, were “praying for Waukesha tonight and all the kids, families, and community members affected by this senseless act.”

The parade, held each year on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, is sponsored by the city’s Chamber of Commerce. This year’s, the 59th, had the theme of “comfort and joy.”

ORIGINAL: Fatalities confirmed, more than 20 injured after SUV plows through Wisconsin holiday parade

SUNDAY 11/21/2021

WAUKESHA, Wisc. (NEXSTAR) — Fatalities have been confirmed after a driver of an SUV plowed through a Christmas parade in a Milwaukee suburb, according to the city’s police chief.

A live video feed of the Holiday Parade from the City of Waukesha showed a red SUV breaking through barriers and speeding into the roadway where the parade was taking place. Waukesha Police Chief Dan Thompson said the SUV struck more than 20 people, including children.

Fire Chief Steve Howard said that 11 adults and 12 “pediatric patients” were transported to nearby hospitals.

Thompson and Howard declined to comment on the number of fatalities until families of the victims could be notified.

One person of interest is in custody in the case, according to Thompson.

Several social media reports claim shots were fired from the SUV; however, Thompson clarified during a press conference that the shots were fired by a police officer attempting to stop the SUV. No one was injured by the gunfire.

Gov. Tony Evers tweeted that he and his wife, Kathy were “praying for Waukesha tonight and all the kids, families, and community members affected by this senseless act.”

“I’m grateful for the first responders and folks who acted quickly to help, and we are in contact with local partners as we await more information,” he said.

Angelito Tenorio, a West Allis alderman, told the AP that he was watching the parade with his family when they saw the SUV come speeding into the area.

Tenorio said he saw about 10 people, children and adults, on the ground who appeared to have been hit by the vehicle.

“It just happened so fast,” he said. “It was pretty horrifying.”

Thompson said it is a “very fluid investigation.”