Milwaukee man who shot off-duty officer in botched carjacking sentenced to 30+ years in prison

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The man who shot an off-duty Milwaukee police officer during a botched carjacking attempt last January was sentenced to 33 years in prison on June 30.

Keasean Ellis-Brown, 20, originally pled not guilty but later changed his plea.

He faced multiple charges, including attempted first-degree intentional homicide for shooting MPD Detective Andrew Wilkiewicz multiple times.

On Friday, a courtroom inside of the Milwaukee County Courthouse was packed with family members and loved ones of both the defendant and the victims.

Wilkiewicz himself appeared in court and gave an emotional testimony in front of the judge and Ellis-Brown.

“This incident goes through my head every day. When I lay my head down on my pillow I think about this incident and I will probably for the rest of my life," Wilkiewicz said. "Mr. Ellis-Brown, I’m gonna tell you right now, I forgive you for what you did but you must be held accountable for your actions.”

When it came time for Ellis-Brown to speak, the defendant apologized for what transpired.

“I know physically, you’ll probably never be the same and you won’t be able to continue to work your job and I want you to know I’m very sorry for my actions," Ellis-Brown said. "Mentally and physically, I pray that you will be healthier and get better, and I thank you for forgiving me.”

Others, including Ellis-Brown's mother, the victim of the carjacking attempt, and relatives of Wilkiewicz's also addressed the court.

While Wilkiewicz's family did not want to speak on camera, his cousin Renee told CBS 58 that Friday was his birthday, and that while what happened in the courtroom wasn't closure, it was a step toward it. 

Two other men are also facing charges involved in the altercation.

Timonte Karoll-Robinson, 19, was sentenced last August to five years in prison on three felony counts.

Dionta'e Hayes, 19, was sentenced earlier to three years probation.