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Judge allows Darrell Brooks to represent himself in Waukesha Christmas Parade trial

Brooks' mother also sent a letter to the judge, expressing concerns for his mental state.
Darrell Brooks
Posted at 9:24 AM, Sep 28, 2022
and last updated 2022-09-28 18:21:11-04

WAUKESHA — The man accused in the Waukesha Christmas Parade attack will represent himself in his Oct. 3 trial.

Darrell Brooks met a 9 a.m. deadline Wednesday to waive his right to an attorney and requested another hearing. Waukesha County Judge Jennifer Dorow ruled Wednesday Brooks is competent to serve as his own defense.

After Dorow delayed her decision on whether or not Darrell Brooks could defend himself at trial, Brooks' attorneys sent a letter to Dorow requesting a hearing Wednesday to continue making a record on Brooks' request to defend himself.

Brooks is charged with driving through the Waukesha Christmas Parade, killing six people and injuring dozens more.

On Tuesday, Brooks said he would "probably be better served by representing himself." He said his attorneys hadn't properly explained aspects of the case to him.

At one point, Judge Dorow ended the hearing.

"No. Listen, Mr. Brooks. We are done here today. I cannot make a finding that you have an understanding of what you're charged with. The nature of these proceedings" said Dorow.

Dorow will allow another hearing and scheduled it for 1 p.m. Wednesday.

Brooks' mother alsosent a letter to Dorow, voicing concerns about her son's mental state. In the letter, she requested that Judge Dorow not allow Brooks to defend himself.

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