'You deserve it': Darrell Brooks sentenced to life behind bars without parole after killing six, injuring dozens others in Waukesha Christmas Parade

’You deserve it’: Darrell Brooks sentenced to life behind bars without parole after killing six, injuring dozens others in Waukesha Christmas Parade
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WAUKESHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee man convicted of killing six and injuring dozens of others after driving through the Waukesha Christmas Parade on Nov. 21, 2021 will spend the rest of his life behind bars.

Darrell Brooks, 40, was sentenced to six consecutive life sentences without parole, plus 762.5 years of confinement on Wednesday, Nov. 16.

"Frankly, you deserve it," Waukesha County Judge Jennifer Dorow told Brooks.

A jury unanimously found Brooks guilty of 76 charges, including six counts of first-degree intentional homicide with the use of a dangerous weapon, 61 counts of first-degree recklessly endangering safety with the use of a dangerous weapon, six counts of hit-and-run involving death, two counts of felony bail jumping and one count of battery related to domestic abuse.

Judge Dorow broke down in tears as she delivered more than two hours of sentencing remarks.

"It's hard not to think about what I watched and not have this reaction. Those were images that frankly kept me up at night. That I saw over and over and over," Dorow said.

Judge Dorow said the "overwhelming" amount of evidence and "brave" testimony against Brooks helped her decide a proper sentencing.

"Despite all of the impact and carnage, many people talked about forgiveness, brokenness, sorrow, anger, hatred, regret. A lot of emotions. Frankly, no emotions shown by Mr. Brooks," Dorow said.

Dorow called Brooks a "lifelong criminal" who never showed remorse for his actions or empathy for the victims.

"I waited patiently for an apology, a true apology. I didn't get it," Dorow said. "Some people unfortunately choose a path of evil, and I think Mr. Brooks, you are one of those such persons."

Ultimately, Judge Dorow said there was a need to protect the community from the man who caused carnage and mayhem on unexpecting victims.

"Mr. Brooks no one is safe from you. This community can only be safe if you are behind bars for the rest of your life," Dorow said.

Dorow said justice was served on Wednesday.

Brooks has 20 days from the sentencing date to appeal.

The sentencing came after Brooks talked for more than two hours, most of which was less about the sentencing and more about how his life has been impacted by his actions on Nov. 21, 2021.

"I don't care about the inevitable," Brooks said. "It doesn't make me lose any sleep. I'm okay."

Brooks' mother, grandmother and best friend also spoke before the court over Zoom on Wednesday.

More than 40 victims and family members read victim impact statements in the courtroom on Tuesday.

Some of the victims told the judge they appreciate that justice was served before the first anniversary of the attack on Monday.

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