Joseph Mensah: Judge Finds Probable Cause For Homicide Charge

WAUWATOSA, WI — A Milwaukee County Circuit Court judge has ruled that former Wauwatosa police officer Joseph Mensah can face charges in the fatal 2016 shooting of Jay Anderson Jr.

Milwaukee County Judge Glenn Yamahiro announced Wednesday there was probable cause to charge Joseph Mensah with homicide with a dangerous weapon.

The judge ruled that the case should be re-examined after Anderson's family asked for a "John Doe" proceeding. The proceeding examines any felony committed by a law enforcement officer while on duty.

The judge is bringing the case forth under a "John Doe" proceeding, which under state law examines any felony committed by a law enforcement officer while on duty.

"Based upon testimony, Officer Mensah... should have been aware the handling and operating of his weapon created an unreasonable and substantial risk of death," Yamahiro said in the court.

The court will appoint a special prosecutor to try the case, Yamahiro said. The court would adjourn for 60 days when a prosecutor is found, he added.

Kimberly Motley, the attorney representing Anderson's family, didn't immediately respond to Patch's request for comment.

Mensah left the Wauwatosa Police Department in November 2020. He was later sworn in as a deputy for the Waukesha County Sheriff's Office in January 2021.

"Respecting the District Attorney’s in-depth investigation and His Honor’s decision, the legalprocess will continue moving forward and I want to thank them for their legal review of thisincident." Wauwatosa Police Chief James MacGillis said in a statement. MacGillis was sworn in as the new chief in July.

Mensah will continue his assignment as a Detective within the Waukesha County Sheriff's Department as the case proceeds, Waukesha County Sheriff Eric Severson said in a statement.

Mensah has been cleared by the Milwaukee County District Attorney in three separate fatal shootings, with the most recent one being in 2020.

Anderson was fatally shot in Madison Park in June 2016 after Mensah responded to a report of a suspicious car. Mensah encountered Anderson and found him in possession of a handgun, police said. The interaction led to him shooting and killing Anderson while he was sitting in his car, police added.

See also:

• Joseph Mensah Will Not Face Charges In Fatal Police Shooting: DA
• Joseph Mensah To Resign From Wauwatosa Police Department
• Former Tosa Officer Mensah Sworn In As Waukesha County Deputy