'Frankly, it makes me scared': Tension between Waukesha parade suspect, judge intensifies
WAUKESHA (WLUK) -- Tensions reached a new high Friday in the Waukesha Christmas parade trial.
Darrell Brooks, who is representing himself, pushed Judge Jennifer Dorow to the point where she said she was afraid and had no more patience.
Brooks shared her frustrations, particularly when he was removed to a separate courtroom.
This isn't the first time Brooks has been removed due to disruptions, though. Yet, Dorow said Friday was the worst.
At one point, Dorow called for a break. "This man right now is having a stare down with me. It's very disrespectful. He pounded his fist. Frankly, it makes me scared."
During other disruptions, Dorow even threatened to end Brooks' ability to call more witnesses if his conduct remained the same.
Brooks did eventually continue calling witnesses, though.
One of his witnesses was Erika Patterson, his ex-girlfriend and the mother of his children. Brooks wanted to provide evidence to call her credibility into question. The prosecution wouldn't stand for it, though.
Assistant District Attorney Zachary Wittchow spoke heatedly during the exchange, which took place without the jury present. He argued that if Brooks was trying to say that Patterson wasn't a good mother, the prosecution would be forced to inform the jury that Brooks does not live with any of his children and that he impregnated Patterson when she was underage.
This caused a volatile outburst from Brooks.
At several points, Dorow said that Brooks was purposefully disrupting court to draw out the trial. Brooks said he felt extremely disrespected by that.
"This is not a game to me, your honor. Nothing about this is a joke. That's what you all don't understand. It's unfair, and it’s disrespectful to me that you’d think I'd come in and treat this like a joke or a game. What type of statement is that?" Brooks asked angrily. "Your life is not on the line. Mine is.”
If convicted on any of the six murder charges against him, Brooks would get life in prison. He faces 70 other charges as well.
One of Brooks' other witnesses was someone at the parade. When Brooks asked him if he saw who was driving the red SUV through the parade, the man replied, "Yeah, you're standing right there."
As Brooks has frequently done, he repeatedly questioned Dorow's jurisdiction.
When Dorow said that he was trying to cast doubt on the integrity of the court, Brooks shouted, "This court ain't got no integrity!"
Brooks made a request of the court to subpoena his mother to be a witness for his defense. She may take the stand Monday. It is still unknown if Brooks will take the stand.
