WAUKESHA, Wis. — A person accused of killing six individuals and injuring dozens extra when he allegedly drove his SUV via a Christmas parade in Wisconsin final yr managed to delay the beginning of his trial Monday by changing into so disruptive the choose needed to take a number of breaks earlier than forcing him to observe the proceedings by way of video from one other room.
Prosecutors allege Darrell Brooks drove his automobile into the Nov. 21 parade in downtown Waukesha regardless of police warnings to cease and officers opening fireplace on him. He faces 77 costs, together with six counts of first-degree intentional murder and 61 counts of reckless endangerment. Every murder cost carries a compulsory life sentence.
Brooks’ trial was scheduled to start Monday morning with jury choice. He initially pleaded not responsible by cause of psychological illness, a transfer that would have resulted in him being sentenced to a psychological establishment reasonably than jail. However he withdrew that plea in September and final week persuaded Waukesha County Decide Jennifer Dorow to let him symbolize himself.
Earlier than potential jurors had been led into the courtroom Monday morning, Brooks repeatedly interrupted Dorow, saying he didn’t acknowledge the state of Wisconsin or Dorow as a choose. Dorow referred to as a recess and despatched Brooks again to his cell.
It went on like that all through the morning, with Dorow calling Brooks again into court docket just for him to once more develop into disruptive. He repeatedly requested Dorow to state her title and questioned the court docket’s jurisdiction.
Dorow warned Brooks that if he continues to be disruptive she may appoint an legal professional to the case. She finally referred to as 10 recesses earlier than ordering him to take part by way of video from one other room. He was unmuted and allowed to ask questions of a jail administrator about when he obtained discovery paperwork after Dorow allowed him to behave as his personal legal professional.
Dorow mentioned in court docket paperwork that she anticipates calling 340 potential jurors. The choice course of may final three or 4 days, she mentioned, earlier than 16 jurors are lastly chosen. Twelve will determine the case; the opposite 4 will function alternates.
