Milwaukee man sentenced to 12 years for shootout that killed 19-year-old nursing student
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A year after a deadly shootout took the life of 19-year-old Milwaukee nursing student Bre'nee Veasley, one of the teens responsible has now learned his fate.
Eighteen-year-old Earl Williams was sentenced to 12 years in prison Thursday, July 23, followed by eight years of extended supervision.
The victim's family was emotional in court, saying no sentence will be enough.
Bre'nee Veasley
Nineteen-year-old Bre'nee Veasley was leaving a party near the old Northridge Mall back in June of 2025 when she was caught in the crossfire of what investigators described as a "Wild West style" shootout.
Detectives recovered more than 100 shell casings fired from 11 different guns. Veasley and another teen were killed, while three others were injured. Williams was charged with attempted first-degree intentional homicide, felony murder, and possessing a machine gun.
Court documents say he and two others also tried to evade police by spray painting their getaway car a different color before they were arrested.
Williams apologized in court, but Veasley's family said no apology will be enough.
"I would like to take full accountability for my actions," Williams said. "I found myself at the wrong place at the wrong time, surrounded by a life-changing situation."
"Poor choices were made," said Venice Hogans-Harris, the victim's mother. "No, I don't forgive. No, I don't want an apology. You caused my daughter's death. You deserve the maximum penalty handed to you."
Veasley's family says they are going to lean on each other as they try to move forward from this tragedy.