state Wisconsin: Latest News

WAUKESHA, Wis. - Prosecutors called more witnesses Wednesday, Oct. 19 in the Darrell Brooks trial, charged in the November 2021 Waukesha Christmas parade attack. Mid-afternoon, the jury was taken out of the courtroom to view the red SUV.

Video was provided later of that viewing. The state called nine witnesses Wednesday, and most of the testimony focused on the red SUV. Judge Jennifer Dorow started the day by informing the court that two jurors tested positive for COVID-19.The first was excused on Monday. Dorow said she was notified about a second juror with the same health concern Wednesday. Before polling each juror about health concerns, Dorow said the court had a new HVAC system with air purifiers and UV light system. Also, extra sanitation and masks were being provided, the judge said.A second juror raised COVID-19 concerns during the Darrell Brooks trial.

It was addressed by the judge on Wednesday, Oct. 19.When polled, none of the remaining jurors indicated any concerns related to COVID-19. The judge offered plexiglass panels be installed if jurors felt it was necessary.

The jurors did not indicate that was necessary. After the jury was excused from the courtroom, Brooks presented concerns about the jury, suggesting that each juror be tested for COVID-19. Judge Dorow said she would not mandate testing. She said she would also not mandate masks, noting none of the jurors were wearing them. The judge told Brooks he had not been exposed, in her opinion, due to his distance from the jury.Brooks asked the judge whether "it would be smart in the long run" to ensure the jury had not been compromised.

Darrell Brooks Jennifer Dorow