Gun-toting ‘scary and prolific’ auto thief kept in broken juvenile justice system

Last Friday (March 31), prosecutors sought to waive a 15-year-old Milwaukee boy into adult court because he simply cannot seem to stop stealing vehicles, despite serious juvenile court proceedings against him. Prosecutors say the boy’s fingerprints have shown up on 22 stolen cars – nearly two dozen vehicles!

And now I have received some shocking and quite disturbing video showing the teen waving a handgun and flashing gang signs. In my opinion, this video – which you can view by going to my city Facebook page (facebook.com/AldermanDonovan) – casts strong doubt about whether this teen is fit for any type of reform or rehabilitation in our broken juvenile justice system.

A veteran Milwaukee police officer who viewed the clip called it “scary.”

News reports also indicate the boy has gone missing from authorities twice in recent years, only to be later linked to more car thefts.

On Friday, Judge Gwendolyn Connolly flatly refused to waive the teen into adult court, stating she did not see “clear and convincing evidence” that it was necessary. She said this after watching this very same video!

Judge Connolly should ask a few of the victims whether there is any clear and/or convincing evidence to send the young criminal into adult court (where he may FINALLY learn his lesson). What about the safety of the community, Judge Connolly?

She should also explain to us how she is sure the gun he was holding in the video won’t be used in a robbery or killing.

I don’t know Judge Connolly and I don’t believe we’ve ever met. I know her job is a challenging one, but I say with all due respect, I believe she owes an explanation to the citizens of Milwaukee.

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.