The tragic death of 6-year-old Da'quell Collins has led to charges against two individuals: the boy's mother, Daquela Collins, and his uncle, Quintell Collins. According to a report from CBS 58, last Tuesday, investigators responded to a home near 51st and Hope in Milwaukee, where Da'quell was found shot. The child, known as "King," was pronounced dead at the scene, despite lifesaving efforts.
In the wake of the shooting, a criminal complaint cited by WTMJ revealed that surveillance footage from nearby captured two men, including Quintell, leaving the house around the time of the incident. An object was concealed under a garbage can in an alley, which later turned to be a loaded 9mm firearm. King's grandmother, Alesia Collins, had called 911 to report her grandson's injury, initially suspecting the child might have shot himself.
Reflecting the layers of negligence contributing to this tragedy, Daquela Collins is charged with neglecting a child, resulting in death, and straw purchasing a firearm. As noted in the WISN report, text messages from her phone indicated she had bought the 9mm handgun for her brother, who is a convicted felon and, therefore prohibited from possessing firearms. This gun was stored unsecured in a closet from which Quintell had access to it.
Further complicating the narrative, on the day of Da'quell's death, Daquela received an Instagram video from her brother, showing him with the firearms as her son appeared in the background. According to CBS 58, despite her message to Quintell to "put my gun down" and her request to her mother to take the gun away, further actions to secure the weapon or ensure her son's safety were not taken. This inaction contributes to the charges she now faces alongside her brother.
Dr. Brian Linert, the Medical Examiner, confirmed that Da'quell died from a gunshot wound and ruled his death as a result of complications from the injury. The case has sparked discussions about firearm safety, responsibility, and the tragic consequences of negligence. Both Da'quell and Quintell Collins are facing legal consequences for their roles in the events that led to the boy’s death.
