Mother of Waukesha SUV parade killer regrets posting his $1,000 bail after he ran over his girlfriend just days earlier: ‘I’m blaming myself’
- Dawn Woods of Milwaukee, Wisconsin is said to be ‘wrecked’ and is ‘blaming herself’ for Waukesha carnage
- Woods posted $1,000 bail to spring her son, Darrell Brooks Jr, from jail after his November 2 arrest
- Weeks before Waukesha parade, Brooks was arrested for trying to run over mother of his child with a car
- Brooks’ former girlfriend told the New York Post that his mother is wracked with guilt over Sunday’s tragedy
- ‘I’m blaming myself, because had I not bailed him out, this wouldn’t have happened,’ Woods reportedly said
- Six people were killed and dozens were injured when Brooks mowed down crowd of parade goers, police said
- Brooks is in custody on five murder charges; he also has two active cases in Milwaukee
- Prosecution ask for $5 million cash bail, which they said was warranted given his lengthy criminal history
- Judge Kevin Costello said the sum was ‘extraordinarily high’ for the ‘indigent’ Brooks, but granted the request
- Anger mounted over judge granting bail given the severity of the crimes which Brooks allegedly committed
Darrell Brooks’ mother is ‘wrecked’ and ‘blaming herself’ for posting her son’s $1,000 bail just days before he allegedly got into his red Ford SUV and plowed into scores of holiday parade goers in Wisconsin, killing six and injuring dozens, according to an ex-girlfriend.
A former girlfriend of Brooks, a convicted felon who has a lengthy criminal record, told the New York Post on Wednesday that his mother, Dawn Woods, sprung him from jail after his arrest for punching a woman.
Brooks was also accused of intentionally running the woman, who is the mother of his child, over with his car at a gas station on November 2.
‘She’s wrecked that people were killed as a result and she’s like, “I’m blaming myself, because had I not bailed him out, this wouldn’t have happened”,’ the ex-girlfriend, who spoke to the Post on condition of anonymity, said.
The ex-girlfriend, a resident of suburban Milwaukee, also shares a child with Brooks. He told the Post that she has had very little contact with her former lover in the last 20 years.
Darrell Brooks’ mother is ‘wrecked’ and ‘blaming herself’ for posting her son’s $1,000 bail just days before he allegedly got into his red Ford SUV and plowed into scores of holiday parade goers in Wisconsin, killing six and injuring dozens, according to an ex-girlfriend. Brooks is seen left on Monday during his court appearance in Waukesha
Brooks’ mother reportedly told his ex-girlfriend that if she never bailed out her son earlier this month, the carnage in Waukesha would never have happened. The image above shows a red SUV just moments before it plowed into people marching in the parade procession in Waukesha on Sunday
She also said that her child has not interacted with his father since he was a baby.
‘He disappeared when my son was almost 3 months old,’ she said.
‘I’ve done all of this on my own, raised my child by myself.’
Waukesha police said that Brooks was leaving the scene of a domestic dispute that had taken place just minutes earlier when he plowed into the annual holiday parade on Sunday.
Brooks was charged with five counts of first-degree intentional homicide, a charge that carries a mandatory life sentence if convicted.
He rocked back and forth in his seat and cried throughout his court hearing on Tuesday, his attorney’s arm on his back, as the charges against him were detailed.
His bail was set at $5million, and a preliminary hearing was scheduled for January 14.
Additional charges related to the sixth death and the more than 60 people injured will be coming later this week or next, said Waukesha County District Attorney Susan Opper.
The criminal complaint said 62 people were injured, up from the 48 previously announced by police.
‘When I saw his picture online, I was like, “What the f***?”,’ his ex told The Post.
‘I was embarrassed enough to have him as the father of my child beforehand, because he wasn’t taking care of him,” she said.
‘What do you think I am now? Mortified.’
She said she regrets having a child with Brooks.
‘I wish I could replace him as the person I had a son with, but I can’t,’ she told the Post.
‘I am sickened by it, obviously devastated, can’t sleep,’ she said.
Darrell Brooks Jr., 39, the driver of the SUV that crashed into the crowd Sunday, made his first appearance in court Tuesday
Brooks, dressed in a green sleeveless bulletproof vest, was consoled by his public defender as he sobbed in court. His court-appointed legal expert raised eyebrows when she was seen rubbing Brooks’ back and attempting to comfort him
Darrell Brooks, 39, is ushered into court in Wisconsin on Tuesday for his bail hearing. He was later seen rocking back and forth in his chair during the hearing, staring at the floor throughout
Brooks is seen far right sitting in the courtroom, wearing a white mask and green vest
‘I’ve been donating and saying prayers and doing everything that I can.’
She added: ‘What’s hurting me more is he shares DNA with my child.’
Even though she lost touch with Brooks, the woman says that she has remained in contact with Brooks’ mother , who ‘has never condoned any of his bad behavior.’
‘She’s always condemned everything that he’s done … even weed possession, she’s never condoned,’ the ex said.
‘She’s always been very resolute on, “You need to do better. You need to do right. This is not how I raised you”.’
Anger mounted on Tuesday after bail for Brooks was set at $5 million – despite him having already been free on bail from a previous crime at the time of Sunday’s carnage.
On Tuesday – as it was learned a sixth victim, 8-year-old Jackson Sparks, had died of his injuries – bail was once again set for Brooks.
Waukesha police have identified Virginia Sorenson, 79; Leana ‘Lee’ Owen, 71; Tamara Durand, 52; Jane Kulich, 52 and Wilhelm Hospel, 82 as the other five victims.
Under Wisconsin law, Brooks must pay 100 percent – the full $5million – of his bail in order to be freed, rather than a percentage as applicable in some states.
SIXTH VICTIM: Jackson Sparks, 8, died of his injuries in the hospital, it was learned Tuesday. Pictured right: Jackson Sparks (below) is pictured with his older brother Tucker, 12 (above). Jackson’s death was confirmed on Tuesday. Jackson is the youngest of the six victims from the Christmas parade tragedy
Jackson Sparks (right), aged eight, and his 12-year-old brother Tucker (left) were both injured by Brooks’ car, with the impact killing Jackson
Tucker, 12 (right in both pictures), suffered a fractured skull and 8-year-old Jackson (bottom in first photo, left is second photo) suffered severe head injuries. Pictured right: Aaron (back) and Sheri Sparks (left) are pictured with their sons. Their youngest son was killed in the Christmas parade tragedy
While a bail bondsman could provide the fee, the person requesting the bond would typically have to put a portion of the bail, as well.
Judge Kevin Costello said the sum was ‘extraordinarily high’ for the ‘indigent’ Brooks, but critics pointed out that there was nothing to prevent someone from volunteering to pay the $5million fee or crowdsource the cash.
That’s what happened with Kyle Rittenhouse, who was on Friday acquitted of murder in August 2020 shootings in Kenosha, Wisconsin, whose bail had been set at $2 million but his supporters crowdfunded the cash.
It was unclear why the judge did not simply deny Brooks bail, given the suspect’s 22-year criminal history, multiple failures to previously show up in court, and multiple instances of social media activity with violent themes.
A now-deleted Facebook account belonging to Brooks showed the alleged killer had encouraged knocking ‘white ppl [the f**k] out’ and also appeared to support the controversial Black Hebrew Israelites.
Brooks was being held in custody on Tuesday night and will be held until his next court appearance in January 2022, unless he makes bail.
‘I think Darrell Brooks will post bail,’ tweeted one critic. ‘It’s $5 million. There are those in our country who probably think he did a great service to mankind, and can pay to get him out. They’ll do it.’
Another added: ‘I do agree with you and it makes me furious. $5M toooo [sic] low. Should be NO BAIL AT ALL. Court will be adding a 6th charge in a day or two. Jackson Sparks, an 8-year-old boy who was marching in the Waukesha Christmas Parade with his baseball team, has died from his injuries.’
Another critic added: ‘Waukesha parade suspect Darrell Brooks facing 5 counts of 1st-degree intentional homicide, held on $5M bail. That is even dumber than the low bail that got him out to begin with.
‘He can’t have any bail!! Bail denied!! WTF is wrong with you people?’
In court on Tuesday, Brooks was consoled by his public defender as he sobbed in court. The court-appointed legal expert raised eyebrows when she was seen rubbing Brooks’ back and attempting to comfort him.
Dressed in a green sleeveless bulletproof vest, Brooks was seen rocking back and forth in his chair during the hearing, staring at the floor throughout.
At one point, he appeared to weep as the judge detailed his lengthy criminal record.
Sex offender, drug user and violent abuser… but STILL freed to kill: Mugshots chart shocking criminal career of Waukesha massacre suspect
Sunday’s disaster at the Waukesha Christmas parade, where convicted felon Darrell Brooks killed five adults, one child and injured 60 more by driving through crowds in his red SUV, was the latest in a long history of violent crimes by the 39-year-old whose rap sheet goes back 22 years and includes convictions in multiple states.
Brooks is now in custody in Waukehsa, Wisconsin on five murder charges. He also has two active cases in Milwaukee.
The 39-year-old – who is also a registered sex offender – has a long criminal history dating back to 1999 with more than 15 arrests in the state of Wisconsin alone for charges including possession of drugs, strangulation and suffocation, battery, illegally possessing firearms as a convicted felon and resisting arrest.
These mugshots chart the shocking criminal career of the massacre suspect who was freed to kill.
2006 and 2007
In 2006, Brooks was convicted in a Nevada court for statutory rape after he had sex with a minor. Brooks was 24 years old at the time of his conviction.
A social media video of him taken before Sunday’s incident shows him trying to explain that the victim was the mother of his oldest daughter who he ‘didn’t know was 16’ when they had sex.
He is also listed as a sex offender in Nevada.
In March 2007, Brooks was charged after threatening to bomb a Nevada casino.
But he had a long criminal history before that. An aspiring rapper who ‘turned to the streets at a very young age,’ Brooks was first arrested in 1999 for aggravated battery, according to court records.
He pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced to six months behind bars and three years probation.
He was arrested again the following year on charges of carrying a concealed weapon, loitering, resisting or obstructing an officer and possession of cocaine. Brooks was convicted and sentenced to probation.
In 2002, the now-career criminal was sentenced to 50 days behind bars after being charged with possession of THC, the main psychoactive compound found in cannabis.
He was also charged with obstructing an officer and driving a vehicle without consent.
Brooks received a 20-day sentence in 2003 for a misdemeanor charge of resisting or obstructing an officer.
In March 2005 he was charged with receiving stolen property and possession of a controlled substance.
Those charges came a month after he served a two-day sentence for misdemeanor obstructing an officer.
In 2006, Brooks was convicted in a Nevada court for statutory rape after he had sex with a minor. Brooks was 24 years old at the time of his conviction. A social media video of him taken before Sunday’s incident shows him trying to explain that the victim was the mother of his oldest daughter who he ‘didn’t know was 16’ when they had sex. He is also listed as a sex offender in Nevada. In March 2007, Brooks was charged after threatening to bomb a Nevada casino. But he had a long criminal history before that. An aspiring rapper who ‘turned to the streets at a very young age,’ Brooks was first arrested in 1999 for aggravated battery, according to court records. Pictured: Left, Brooks in his 2006 mugshot
2011
In the years leading up to his 2011 arrest, Brooks was issued a paternity warrant in 2009 and also convicted of misdemeanor resisting an officer.
In 2010, he was charged with strangulation and suffocation, domestic abuse battery and criminal damage to property.
After pleading no contest to felony strangulation and suffocation, and violating his probation, Brooks was sentenced to 11 months behind bars and three years probation.
He faced several criminal charges in 2011 including violating probation, failure to appear in court, paternity warrant, possession of THC, possession with intent (THC) and bail jumping.
Brooks also pleaded guilty to misdemeanor resisting or obstructing an officer in 2011, leading to a 37-day jail sentence.
The second incident of THC possession resulted in a 180-day jail sentence. Additionally, misdemeanor bail jumping and another THC offense in 2011 led to another 180-day jail sentence.
In the years leading up to his 2011 arrest, Brooks was issued a paternity warrant in 2009 and also convicted of misdemeanor resisting an officer. In 2010, he was charged with strangulation and suffocation, domestic abuse battery and criminal damage to property. He faced several criminal charges in 2011 including violating probation, failure to appear in court, paternity warrant, possession of THC, possession with intent (THC) and bail jumping. Brooks also pleaded guilty to misdemeanor resisting or obstructing an officer in 2011, leading to a 37-day jail sentence. He was sentenced to two 180-day terms. Pictured: Bboth of Brooks’ 2011 mugshots
2016 and 2020
After serving his 2011 jail terms, Brooks was again charged in 2012 charged with bail jumping, failure to appear in court and resisting an officer. In November of that same year he was charged with possession of THC.
On June 23, 2016, he was arrested in Sparks, Nevada for failing to register as a sex offender. He posted bail on the charge but never appeared in court and has had an active warrant in the state ever since.
In July 2020, he was charged with two counts of reckless endangerment and possession of a dangerous weapon as a convicted felon.
On June 23, 2016, Brooks was arrested in Sparks, Nevada for failing to register as a sex offender. He posted bail on the charge but never appeared in court and has had an active warrant in the state ever since. In July 2020, he was charged with two counts of reckless endangerment and possession of a dangerous weapon as a convicted felon
2021
After spending eight months behind bars between July 2020 and February 2021 for shooting at another vehicle on the road after a fight, Brooks found himself out on bail after a bond previously at $10,000 was dropped to $500 in February.
He was then arrested again, on November 2, in Milwaukee, for hunting down the mother of one of his children at a local hotel. He then followed her down the street with his red Ford SUV – seen in one of the wannabe rapper’s music videos – and allegedly ran her over in the parking lot of a gas station after she refused to get into his car.
After spending eight months behind bars between July 2020 and February 2021 for shooting at another vehicle on the road after a fight, Brooks found himself out on bail after a bond previously at $10,000 was dropped to $500 in February. On November 2, or hunting down the mother of one of his children at a local hotel. He then followed her down the street with his red Ford SUV – seen in one of the wannabe rapper’s music videos – and allegedly ran her over in the parking lot of a gas station after she refused to get into his car. DailyMail.com obtained copies of his arrest warrant for that incident on Monday which reveal he followed her to a gas station, punched her ‘with a closed fist’ and then ‘ran her over.’ The car appears to be the same one used in Sunday’s murders. He was let out on November 11 after posting $1,000 bail
By November 19 – two days before the Waukesha attack – Brooks was on the streets again; and by November 21, Brooks was allowed back behind the wheel of his Ford. After Sunday night’s massacre, which saw a speeding, red SUV plow into paradegoers in the suburban town in the neighboring county of Waukesha, Brooks was again apprehended by Milwaukee police as a suspect. Officials say he was leaving the scene of a domestic dispute that had taken place just minutes earlier when he plowed into a Christmas parade in suburban Milwaukee. The attack left at least six dead and dozens injured. One neighbor claims his ex-girlfriend was seen ‘running away with no shoes and a black eye’, moments before the carnage. Police identified the first five killed as Virginia Sorenson, 79; LeAnna Owen, 71; Tamara Durand, 52; Jane Kulich, 52; and Wilhelm Hospel, 81. There was no evidence that Brooks knew anyone in the parade. He is now in custody on five charges of intentional homicide , a charge that carries a mandatory life sentence if convicted.
DailyMail.com obtained copies of his arrest warrant for that incident on Monday which reveal he followed her to a gas station, punched her ‘with a closed fist’ and then ‘ran her over.’ The car appears to be the same one used in Sunday’s murders.
Brooks was subsequently arrested and charged with five counts including bail jumping, for having failed to meet the terms of one of his many other sets of bail or probation requirements.
However, on November 11, the culpable criminal once again escaped incarceration by posting bail – this time on a $1,000 cash bond.
By November 19 – two days before the Waukesha attack – he was on the streets again; and by November 21, Brooks was allowed back behind the wheel of his Ford.
After Sunday night’s massacre, which saw a speeding, red SUV plow into paradegoers in the suburban town in the neighboring county of Waukesha, Brooks was again apprehended by Milwaukee police as a suspect.
Officials say he was leaving the scene of a domestic dispute that had taken place just minutes earlier when he plowed into a Christmas parade in suburban Milwaukee. The attack left at least six dead and dozens injured.
One neighbor claims his ex-girlfriend was seen ‘running away with no shoes and a black eye’, moments before the carnage.
Police identified the first five killed as Virginia Sorenson, 79; LeAnna Owen, 71; Tamara Durand, 52; Jane Kulich, 52; and Wilhelm Hospel, 81.
There was no evidence that Brooks knew anyone in the parade.
He is now in custody on five charges of intentional homicide, a charge that carries a mandatory life sentence if convicted.
Additional charges relating to the sixth death which emerged Tuesday night and the more than 60 people injured will be coming later this week or next, said Waukesha County District Attorney Susan Opper.
The sixth victim eight-year-old Jackson Sparks was walking in the parade with his 12-year-old brother Tucker, who was injured in the crash and is due to be discharged from hospital, according to his GoFundMe page.
‘This afternoon, our dear Jackson has sadly succumbed to his injuries and passed away,’ the page’s organizer, Alyssa Albro, wrote.
‘Tucker, by the grace of God is miraculously recovering from his injuries and will be being discharged home.’
Milwaukee District Attorney John Chisholm released a statement Monday admitting Brooks should not have been released on a $1,000 bond earlier this month following an alleged hit-and-run incident involving his girlfriend.
On Sunday, just 20 minutes after the massacre, Brooks was captured by the doorbell camera, shivering and standing on the porch before area resident Daniel Rider opened his front door to him.
‘I called an Uber and I’m supposed to be waiting for it over here, but I don’t know when it’s coming,’ Brooks can be heard telling Rider. ‘Can you call it for me please? I’m homeless.’
Rider later told NBC News he did not know that the Christmas parade attack had happened at the time as he was in the middle of watching football after coming back from a hunting trip.
Rider said he had invited Brooks into his home and given him a jacket, made him a sandwich and let him use his phone.
‘All of a sudden, I look outside my street and I see a few cop cars drive by and I’m getting extra nervous,’ he said, before asking Brooks to leave – which he did.
Rider said his neighbor then called the police, and shortly afterwards Brooks began ‘pounding’ on Rider’s front door for a second time, claiming he had left his ID inside.
The Christmas parade began on Sunday at 4pm, with participants starting at Main St. and Whiterock Ave. It was always intended to be a short parade, ending half a mile away at the northeast corner of Cutler Park. At 4.39pm, the red SUV is filmed speeding down Main Street. It smashed into the crowd, and sent bodies flying, before carrying on down towards the end of the parade, where the car broke through barriers. The SUV was found less than five blocks away and the driver was taken into custody but it’s unclear exactly where
Terrifying video posted to social media shows a speeding red SUV collide into a group of people marching in the middle of the street during the annual holiday parade in Waukesha, some 20 miles west of downtown Milwaukee
The SUV was found around five blocks from where the parade carnage took place, parked in a driveway. It’s unclear whose home it was or if he was found inside, but he was taken into custody nearby
‘Then the next thing you know, you see the cops with lights on him saying, ‘Hands in the air, hands in the air.’
The video footage shows Brooks pacing around on Rider’s front porch before police officers can be seen arriving at the house with bright flash lights and ordering Brooks to put his hands in the air.
Rider said his neighbor then called the police, and shortly afterwards Brooks began ‘pounding’ on Rider’s front door for a second time, claiming he had left his ID inside.
‘Then the next thing you know, you see the cops with lights on him saying, ‘Hands in the air, hands in the air.’
The video footage shows Brooks pacing around on Rider’s front porch before police officers can be seen arriving at the house with bright flash lights and ordering Brooks to put his hands in the air.
The six victims named in the Waukesha, Wisconsin Christmas parade attack
Four of the six people who were killed when a red SUV sped into a crowd of participants in the annual Christmas parade in Waukesha were members of the Milwaukee Dancing Grannies.
Waukesha police identified the fatal victims as Dancing Grannies Virginia ‘Ginny’ Sorenson, 79; Leana ‘Lee’ Owen, 71; and Tamara Durand, 52; and 82-year-old Wilhelm Hospel, the husband of one of the Grannies.
Citizen Bank employee Jane Kulich, 52, was also identified as one of the fatalities. She was representing Citizens Bank in the parade procession when she was stuck and killed, according to her daughter.
On Tuesday it was learned a sixth victim, 8-year-old Jackson Sparks, had died of his injuries.
Durand last Facebook post which she made just hours before the deadly events of Sunday night show her smiling and holding her pompoms while dressed in a winter coat and hat.
‘HERE WE GO!’ Durand wrote, adding a few Santa Claus emojis. ‘First Milwaukee Dancing Grannies parade! So excited!’
It was also the first time Durand performed with the Milwaukee Dancing Grannies.
Tucker, 12 (left), suffered a fractured skull and 8-year-old Jackson (right in first photo) suffered severe head injuries
Tamara Durand (left), 52, and Leana ‘Lee’ Owen (right), 71, were two members of the Milwaukee Dancing Grannies who died in Sunday’s tragedy.
Virginia Sorenson (left), 79, was a nurse and member of the Milwaukee Dancing Grannies, a group of elderly woman marching in the parade. Wilhelm Hospel (right), 82, the husband of one of the grannies, died from internal bleeding, according to his older brother
Jane Kulich was a Citizen Bank employee who was walking with a parade float before she was fatally struck
A GoFundMe set up by family to raise funeral costs described Jane ( right) as a ‘loving, beautiful and charismatic mother, grandmother and friend to so many. ‘The world is a much darker place without a woman like this in the world,’ continued the description. Almost $600 have been raised out of the $2,000 goal
The Milwaukee Dancing Grannies, a marching, dancing holiday fixture in Wisconsin for nearly 40 years was hit by tragedy as they marched on Sunday
An Interfaith candle lit vigil was held at Cutler Park in Waukesha, Wisconsin on Monday
Hundreds of people were on hand at Waukesha’s Cutler Park for Monday evening’s candlelight vigil
Members of the Waukesha community came out to a candlelight vigil in Cutler Park on Monday
‘She was super energetic, she was that type of person who when she walks in the room, everybody notices her smile,’ her husband, Dave, told The Daily Beast on Monday.
‘She literally danced her way through life. She was the youngest one in the Dancing Grannies. Dancing was her favorite thing. It was her first time even with them, which is what’s so tragic, too.’
Tamara was a hospice and critical care chaplain at Waukesha Memorial. In 2009, she saved a homeless man from drowning in the Wisconsin River.
Tamara Durand and Leana Owen were also with the Dancing Grannies, while Wilhelm Hospel was the husband of one of the members.
Jane Kulich was a Citizen Bank employee who was walking with a parade float before she was fatally struck.
A GoFundMe set up by family to raise funeral costs described her as a ‘loving, beautiful and charismatic mother, grandmother and friend to so many.
‘The world is a much darker place without a woman like this in the world,’ continued the description. Almost $600 have been raised out of the $2,000 goal.
Hospel was helping the group at the parade because his wife is one of its members, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Hospel’s brother, Theodore, told the New York Post that he was on a golf course in Florida when he heard that his younger brother was among those struck by the out-of-control SUV driver.
Wilhelm, who was the youngest of five brothers, died after suffering from internal bleeding and injuries to his pelvis, according to Theodore.
‘I was talking to him this summer, and he said, “Who do you think is going to be the first one to go,” you know,’ Theodore said.
‘And lo and behold, the youngest one goes first.’
Theodore told the Post that he would frequently visit his younger brother and his wife, Lola, in Wisconsin. He said Wilhelm was ‘always repairing things’ in a rental property that he owned.
‘His job was never done, but he was so healthy,’ Theodore said.
‘He was not on any major medication. He was a strong person and even would help me out a lot of times because he was so strong. I cannot believe it.
‘It’s so tragic.’
Wilhelm Hospel is seen right with his wife, Lola, in the above undated file photo
Gabrielle Kamentz (left), a nursing student and clinical research assistant at Oshkosh College, posted a tribute to her late grandmother Virginia Sorenson (right), 79, killed in the Waukesha tragedy on Sunday
Virginia still worked part-time in medical records and despite her bad knee and hip was an active member of the grannies
‘What did she like about it? Everything,’ Virginia’s husband of 56 years, Dave, said. ‘She liked the instructing. She liked the dancing and the camaraderie of the women. She liked to perform’
Sorenson was a former registered nurse and mother of three children. She is also survived by six grandchildren.
According to the Journal Sentinel, Sorenson helped with the group’s choreographer and was a mentor to some of the newer members of the Dancing Gannies. She kept up her activities with the group despite nursing a bad back and hip.
‘She liked the instructing,’ her husband David told the newspaper.
‘She liked the dancing and the camaraderie of the women. She liked to perform.’
Sorenson was planning to take part in the parade from inside a van. But at the last minute, she decided she was going to help carry the banner at the rear of the group during the procession, according to her husband.
When she wasn’t dancing with the Grannies, Owen worked as a manager at Packard Glen Apartments for nearly 10 years, according to CNN.
Dave Schmidt, the property owner, told CNN that his staff posted a statement for residents informing them of her death.
‘This was one of her passions that she truly loved,’ the statement said. ‘She was so proud to be part of this group and lit up when she talked about it.’
The Dancing Grannies posted a statement on its Facebook page saying it was ‘devastated’ by the tragedy.
‘Our group was doing what they loved, performing in front of crowds in a parade putting smiles on faces of all ages, filling them with joy and happiness,’ the group wrote.
‘While performing the grannies enjoyed hearing the crowds, cheers, and applause which certainly brought smiles to their faces and warmed their hearts.
‘Those who died were extremely passionate Grannies. Their eyes gleamed…..joy of being a Grannie. They were the glue….held us together.’
Dancing Granny Betty Butula Streng, who had just joined the group, was also badly injured.
The degree of Betty’s injuries is unknown but she’s now in ICU, according to members of the community
The Grannies wrote: ‘Our hearts are heavy at this most difficult time, as more information and updates become available it will be posted.
‘Please keep them their families, friends, the Milwaukee Dancing Grannies, and everyone whose lives have forever changed in your thoughts and prayers.’
Two children are in critical condition, 18 minors remain in the hospital and 48 are injured in total, but police say the number may rise.
Gabrielle Kamentz, a nursing student and clinical research assistant at Oshkosh College, posted a tribute to her late grandmother Virginia on Monday.
Mourners paid their respects to the five people who died and the dozens of others who were injured in Sunday’s horrific incident
Mourners attend a candlelight vigil in Cutler Park in Waukesha on Monday – a day after Sunday’s carnage at the annual Christmas parade
‘She had such a good heart. Such a good soul. She was the glue that held the family together. I’m still in shock and trying to process this as I write. As I continue through nursing school, I will live that legacy to her,’ Gabrielle wrote. ‘My grandmother was an incredible nurse. I’m so proud to be following in her footsteps.’
Jane Kulich’s daughter, Taylor Smith, also took to social media to post a tribute to her mother.
‘There’s no words. It’s so unreal. My mom was killed last night. We are told she didn’t suffer. Thank God. I’m so grateful I got to have her this long, but da**,’ Taylor wrote. ‘She was walking in the parade last night. She was so happy. I love you mom. Rest in peace my beautiful angel.’
Virginia was a nurse and member of the Milwaukee Dancing Grannies, a group of elderly women marching in the parade, for almost two decades.
She had been married to her husband, Dave, for 56 years and had two adult children and six grandchildren. Virginia worked part-time in medical records.
‘What did she like about it? Everything,’ her husband told the Milwaukee Journal. ‘She liked the instructing. She liked the dancing and the camaraderie of the women. She liked to perform.’
He said Virginia was helping dancers from the parking lot to the start of the route on Sunday.
‘[She] was going to ride in the van behind the woman and be an instructor. They were short help so she offered to hold the banner going down the street. so she did that. I was at the end in the car. I was sitting in the car waiting,’ he added.
‘The Milwaukee Dancing Grannies are devastated by this terrible tragedy with of loss of life and injuries in the Waukesha Christmas parade,’ the Dancing Grannies wrote on Facebook. This picture was posted after the incident on Sunday
‘Those who died were extremely passionate Grannies. Their eyes gleamed…..joy of being a Grannie. They were the glue….held us together,’ the group posted on Facebook.
Dave told the outlet that despite her bad hip and knee, Virginia loved to make new members of the grannies feel welcomed.
In a Facebook comment, Virginia encouraged newcomer granny Betty Butula Streng writing ‘Our future Milwaukee Dancing Granny…great picture, she has the moves and the smile.’
Betty, who had just joined the group, was also badly injured. The degree of her injuries is unknown but she’s now in ICU, according to members of the community.
‘Dear friends, please hold in prayer Betty. This parade in Waukesha was the first gig for her as a part of the Dancing Grannies. She is currently in ICU. Please lift her and all others impacted by this tragedy in prayer. Lord, in your mercy…’ Betty’s friend, Kris Ertl posted on Facebook.
A suspect identified as 39-year-old Darrell Brooks was taken into custody for reportedly plowing his red SUV through crowds at parade. Police said they found his red Ford SUV parked neatly in a driveway five blocks from where he drove through crowds of kids and elderly dancing groups.
Police said Brooks was fleeing domestic dispute, and the attack was not fueled by terrorism sentiments.
Five victims were transported to Waukesha Memorial and one of them died. Twelve others were treated by first responders at the scene.
More than one of the fatal victims were part of the Milwaukee Dancing Grannies.
‘The Milwaukee Dancing Grannies are devastated by this terrible tragedy with of loss of life and injuries in the Waukesha Christmas parade,’ the Dancing Grannies posted on Facebook.
Footage shared online shows some of the dancing grannies just seconds before Brooks plowed through the crowd, as horrified pedestrians try to get out of the way.
The grannies voiced their heartbreak after the tragedy.
The Facebook statement read: ‘Our group was doing what they loved, performing in front of crowds in a parade putting smiles on faces of all ages, filling them with joy and happiness. While performing the grannies enjoyed hearing the crowds cheers and applause which certainly brought smiles to their faces and warmed their hearts.’
‘Our hearts are heavy at this most difficult time, as more information and updates become available it will be posted . Please keep them their families, friends, the Milwaukee Dancing Grannies and everyone who lives have forever changed in your thoughts and prayers,’ it concluded.
Among the injured are Romelia Perez and her 11-year-old daughter Camila, her husband, Rigoberto, 47, told the New York Post.
He said he had stayed home on Sunday while his wife and daughter went to enjoy the Waukesha parade, hours later he received the call.
‘I don’t understand,’ Perez told the outlet. ‘I was eating with my wife and daughter yesterday. Now they’re sleeping in the hospital. It’s hard.’
Camila has a broken femur and underwent emergency surgery, while his wife reportedly has many broken bones.
According to her father, Camila has not said anything since the horrific attack.'[She] hasn’t said nothing yet. She’s only crying, crying, crying,’ he said.
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