A tense family confrontation on a Milwaukee porch has ended in a felony conviction. Patrick Riley Jr., 63, pleaded guilty on Friday to an amended charge of second-degree reckless homicide in the fatal stabbing of his 35-year-old nephew. The deadly encounter happened at a home near 18th and Hopkins in Milwaukee on March 4, 2025. Riley is set to return to court for sentencing on April 24, as per FOX 6.
Case details from court records
According to the criminal complaint and related court filings, Milwaukee police were dispatched on March 4, 2025, to a residence near 18th and Hopkins and found the victim inside the home. The complaint states that Riley told detectives his nephew slapped him on a screened porch, that he "blanked out," grabbed a folding knife and stabbed the man once. Records indicate Riley then walked to a neighbor's home and asked her to call 911 and his sister. These details appear in documents available via Wisconsin Circuit Court Access.
Family reaction
Relatives identified the victim as 35-year-old Kendrick William and described a home now grappling with loss on multiple fronts. As reported by FOX6, William's mother said, "It's like losing two people, my son and my brother," and said she plans to attend upcoming court proceedings.
Plea and what's next
Riley pleaded guilty on Friday to an amended count of second-degree reckless homicide, according to FOX6. Prosecutors had originally charged him with first-degree reckless homicide. Riley remains in custody and is scheduled to return to Milwaukee County Circuit Court on April 24 for sentencing, when a judge will decide his punishment.
Legal context
Under Wisconsin law, a conviction for second-degree reckless homicide requires proof that reckless conduct caused a person's death. First-degree reckless homicide includes that same element, but adds that the conduct must show an "utter disregard for human life." Courts and legal summaries often cite Wis. Stat. § 940.02 and § 940.06 to explain that distinction. For more detail, see Wisconsin court opinions available at Wisconsin Courts.
What to expect in court
Court records show Riley previously underwent a competency exam and had a $150,000 cash bond set in the case. Those entries appear in the public docket. The April 24 sentencing hearing will take place in Milwaukee County Circuit Court, and the public case record can be reviewed via Wisconsin Circuit Court Access.
