Thursday 29 September 2022 01:56 AM Judge allows Waukesha Christmas parade 'killer' Darrell Brooks represent ... trends now
A judge has allowed a Wisconsin man accused of killing six people and injuring dozens more when he allegedly drove his SUV through a Christmas parade represent himself at trial.
It was found that Darrell Brooks, 40, suffers from a personality disorder and that while he could face an uphill battle against an experienced prosecutorial team, he is mentally fit.
Waukesha County Circuit Judge Jennifer Dorow's decision leaves Brooks in the unusual position of defending himself against a score of charges, including six counts of intentional homicide.
His trial is scheduled to begin Monday with jury selection.
The 40-year-old has a high school equivalency diploma but did not attend college. Dorow said he has a constitutional right to act as his own attorney if he's mentally competent.
Dorow said she reviewed evaluations four psychologists conducted of Brooks and agreed with their findings that while he has a personality disorder and is disruptive, he is intelligent and articulate enough to defend himself.
A judge has allowed a Wisconsin man, Darrell Brooks, accused of killing six people and injuring dozens more when he drove his SUV through a Christmas parade represent himself at trial
Judge Jennifer Dorow (right) decided Brooks (left) could represent himself at trial which is scheduled to begin on Monday with jury selection
It has been found that while he suffers from a personality disorder, and he could face challenges against an experienced prosecutorial team, he is mentally fit to represent himself
Judge Dorow's decision leaves Brooks in the unusual position of defending himself against a score of charges, including six counts of intentional homicide
She warned him that he will have problems understanding the rules of evidence, when to object to rulings and how to examine witnesses without any training, but she can't stand in his way.
'This court has warned Mr. Brooks what he's getting into,' Dorow said.
According to prosecutors and investigators, Brooks drove his SUV through a Christmas parade in downtown Waukesha on Nov. 21 2021.
Its alleged that he refused commands to stop and kept driving, running people down, even as police officers shot at his vehicle, according to a criminal
