Criminal Complaint alleges Man involved in Five Shootings including Laylah Petersen's Homicide

A key witness in the Laylah Petersen case was in court this morning.

Divonte Forbes, 22 years-old, is facing 13 felony counts for his role in several shootings including one the same night of the death of the 5 year old. The criminal complaint includes an alleged admission by Forbes that one of the guns used to kill Laylah Petersen was his gun.

In court Friday morning, the judge determined Forbes' lawyer had a conflict of interest and had to reschedule the appearance.

According to the criminal complaint, on August 22, 2014 Milwaukee Police investigated the shooting of Dawone Gablin at 5708 North 63rd Street.

On August 24, 2014, Milwaukee bicycle patrol heard shots fired in the 6300 block of West Carmen Avenue. The casings were found in a driveway.

On November 6, 2014 at 4:45 AM, Milwaukee Police responded to a shooting at 936 West Meinecke.

The home was occupied by four children and their father and mother.

Shots were fired into the residence through the kitchen window. One bullet struck near one of the daughters who was in the kitchen preparing for school.

The victim said Forbes had been feuding with the victim’s brother and Forbes was familiar with his home.

Later that same day, Milwaukee Police responded to a shooting at 5008 North 58th Street.

Upon arrival, investigators found Laylah Peterson inside the residence with a gunshot wound to her head.

On Saturday November 8,2014 at 2:33 AM, Milwaukee Police Officers responded to 6025 North 61st Street to investigate a shooting in the direction of the residence and a vehicle.

Forbes called the 61st Street victim’s son at admitted to the his involvement in the shooting of the residence and vehicle, according to the complaint.

During the investigation, Milwaukee Police determined the casings of the August 22, August 24, and November 6 shootings were all fired from the same firearm. Ballistics from the other shootings shared characteristics with theses casings but were deformed. Police said the casings could have been shot from the gun.

A statement to the Police said the gun had been used by Forbes and had been seen with Forbes several times before Laylah’s death.

An informant wore a recording device, and Forbes admitted on the device to possessing the firearm that was used in Laylah’s homicide. In addition, Forbes admitted to several of the shootings.