Life sentence for man who killed 6 when he ran over crowd during Wisconsin Christmas parade

By Phil Helsel and Minyvonne Burke -

Darrell Brooks, the man who killed six people and injured 60 others when he ran over a crowd celebrating Christmas in Wisconsin last year, was sentenced Wednesday to six consecutive life terms without the possibility of parole.

Brooks, 40, was found guilty by a jury of all 76 counts in the deadly incident in Waukesha, west of Milwaukee, on November 21, 2021.

Six of the charges were first degree intentional homicide.

The fatalities were between 8 and 81 years old.

Darrell Brooks during his sentencing in a Waukesha County Circuit Court in Waukesha, Wisconsin, on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022. Mike De Sisti / AP

"The gravity of the offense can be summed up frankly in one word: and it is 'attack,'" Judge Jennifer Dorow said, adding that Brooks "used his vehicle as if it were a battering ram (sort of a war tank)" and he ran over people

The judge also said Brooks displayed a "complete and utter lack of remorse," made little apology and, at times, taunted victims with gestures or rolling his eyes.

Those in the room applauded as each life sentence was read out.

Shortly before, the victims and their relatives spoke of the trauma they suffered as a result of the run over.

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The youngest fatality, 8-year-old Jackson Sparks, was struck by a car along with his older brother, his mother said.

Both children were hospitalized, and Jackson passed away two days later.

"Do you have any idea how heartbreaking it is to have to explain to your 12-year-old son that his little brother didn't make it?" Sheri Sparks told Brooks in court on Tuesday.

“I miss Jackson every second of every day.

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Other victims said they were still living with trauma.

Jessica González said that she suffers panic attacks every time she hears a loud noise.

She was unable to return to her job until last month.

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"After almost a year, some days still feel like November 21 was yesterday," González added.

Brooks, who has an extensive criminal record that includes arrests for sexual abuse, drugs, assault and domestic violence, apologized in court Wednesday.

"I want each and every one of the victims of this incident, family members, those who lost loved ones, those who are still healing... I want everyone to know that I am not only sorry for what happened, but I'm sorry they couldn't see what's really in my heart, that they couldn't see the remorse I have," he said.