A 15-year-old Milwaukee teen, Deondre Davis, has been charged as an adult in connection with the fatal shooting of 12-year-old Marquell Newburn. Charged with first-degree reckless homicide while employing a dangerous weapon, Davis faces a preliminary hearing to determine if there is enough evidence to go to trial, according to TMJ4.
Marquell Newburn suffered wounds to his neck and chin on Saturday, October 26, and following the shooting was pronounced dead in a hospital. Exploring the tragic circumstances, officers were led to the scene where a stolen minivan became the focal point of the incident, as reported by WTMJ. Witnesses shared with law enforcement that Davis was handling a firearm inside the vehicle and despite Marquell's protest, tragically, the gun discharged.
During judicial proceedings, the young defendant was not immediately identified by TMJ4 in adherence to their guiding principles considering his minor status. If convicted of the charge levied against him, the youth could face up to 60 years in prison.
"Everything," Newburn’s brother, Brandon Williams, said when asked what he will miss about his brother by WISN 12 News. “His smile for sure, though. He had some pretty deep dimples. It was a good smile.” The defendant, having initially provided a false name when apprehended, admitted in questioning he believed the gun to be safe when pointing it at Newburn, as documented in the criminal complaint. The admission came with the claim that such actions were part of a "normal occurrence" among the group.
