Guilty Verdicts in Two Violent Firearms Cases in Milwaukee County
“Vigorously prosecuting violent offenders like the defendants in these cases makes communities safer.”
MILWAUKEE, Wis. – Attorney General Josh Kaul today announced that Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) prosecutors focused on cases involving illegal use of firearms received guilty verdicts in two cases in Milwaukee County in August. Both trials were presided over by Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Michelle Ackerman Havas.
“The Department of Justice is committed to addressing gun violence,” said Attorney General Kaul. “Vigorously prosecuting violent offenders like the defendants in these cases makes communities safer.”
“We value greatly the resources provided by the Wisconsin Department of Justice that effectively assist our response to gun violence in Milwaukee County,” said Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm.
Milwaukee County Case 2018CF1968
On August 9, 2019, a jury in Milwaukee County found Demetrius Undre Blakes guilty of Attempted First Degree Homicide with the Use of a Dangerous Weapon; First Degree Reckless Injury with the Use of a Dangerous Weapon; and, Convicted Felon in Possession of a Firearm. The evidence presented at trial established that on April 20, 2018, Blakes engaged in a physical fight with an individual at a gas station located at 2008 W. Center, Milwaukee, WI. During the fight, Blakes pulled out a handgun and fired at the victim, striking the victim in the abdomen. Blakes had previously been convicted of felony and was barred from being in possession of a firearm. A copy of the criminal complaint is attached.
The conviction was the result of a joint effort between Milwaukee Police Department, Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office, and DOJ Criminal Litigation Unit Assistant Attorney General and Gun Resource Prosecutor Eric Bashirian.
A sentencing hearing has been set for September 20, 2019. The crimes carry a potential maximum period of imprisonment of 105 years.
Milwaukee County Case 2018CF005507
On August 22, 2019, a jury in Milwaukee County found Shadell Devonte Morris guilty of two counts of First Degree Reckless Injury with the Use of a Dangerous Weapon, and one count of First Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety with the Use of a Dangerous Weapon. The evidence presented at trial established that on November 14, 2018, during an altercation at 3022 N. 26th Street, Milwaukee, WI, Morris shot a one-year-old infant in the head and one adult in the neck. Both victims survived. A copy of the criminal complaint is attached.
The conviction was the result of a joint effort between Milwaukee Police Department, Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office, and DOJ Criminal Litigation Unit Assistant Attorney General and Gun Resource Prosecutor Eric Bashirian.
A sentencing hearing has been set for September 26, 2019. The crimes carry a potential maximum period of imprisonment of 77.5 years.
Funding for DOJ gun resource prosecutors was provided in the 2013-2015 Wisconsin State Budget.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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