Waukesha Parade Deaths: Brooks Pleads Not Guilty

WAUKESHA, WI — The man charged in the deaths of six people at the Waukesha's Christmas parade in November pleaded not guilty to the 77 charges against him.

Darrell Brooks Jr., 39, appeared for an arraignment on Friday in Waukesha County Circuit Court.

Brooks' attorney filed a change of venue motion or selection of jury from another county, online court documents said.

Affidavit in Support of Defendant's Motion for Change of Venue or Selection of Jury from Another County

He was bound over for trial in January during a preliminary hearing in January. Court Commissioner Kevin M. Costello found probable cause to order a trial for Brooks, who is charged with six counts of first-degree intentional homicide.

Brooks remains in custody on $5 million cash bail.

The criminal complaint was later amended to include 71 new charges against Brooks. The new and existing charges, according to online court records, include:

• First-degree intentional homicide (six counts)

• First-degree recklessly endangering safety (61 counts)

• Hit and run-resulting in death (six counts)

• Felony bail jumping (two counts)

• Misdemeanor battery (two counts)

According to prosecutors, Brooks plowed his red SUV into spectators at a Nov. 21 Christmas parade in downtown Waukesha.

Jackson Sparks, 8, was the youngest victim to die from the violence. Five others — Virginia Sorenson, 79, LeAnna Owen, 71, Tamara Durand, 52, Jane Kulich, 52, and Wilhelm Hospel, 81 — were also killed. More than 60 people were injured, including children.

Brooks next court date is March 11.