In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, an underground poker game ended tragically when an enigmatic hooded guy momentarily showed up at the door. A man is currently facing two charges of first-degree reckless homicide for killing his buddy and cousin because he thought the intruder was going to rob him.
According to the accusations, prosecutors believe Donovan C. Jones' claim that the killings were an unintentional error brought on by confusion and anxiety.
On October 18, Jones, 35, played an all-night poker game with his cousin Shaquille E. Madison, 33, and his buddy Dwayne Carter, 43, in a home on Milwaukee's northwest side.
The home is described as a private poker parlor in the charging complaint, complete with two huge tables, a television, whiteboards, and printed house rules.
Chilling Video
The three males were the only ones in the house at 7 a.m., though it's unclear from court documents if anyone else had been to the game earlier. This is when Carter and Madison ran into the kitchen to alert Jones of the presence of an armed, masked man trying to enter the house.
According to court filings, surveillance footage from the minutes before the shooting showed a person wearing a ski mask enter the house for around three seconds before leaving.
According to the lawsuit, Jones, Carter, and Madison drew their weapons and fled down the shadowy basement.
Jones reported to the police that he shot a dark "silhouette" several times. He contacted 911 shortly after, claiming to have shot his companion.
When police got to the house at 7:32 a.m., they discovered Caret dead in the basement. Madison, who was also shot, collapsed on the front lawn after stumbling out the front door of the house. Later, he passed away in the hospital.
There was no proof that anyone had fired at Jones, and police found nine expended casings that matched his firearm. The momentarily visible masked individual has not been charged by authorities with brandishing a weapon.
Prosecutors claim that Jones had approximately $5,200 on him and that a rucksack found in Madison contained over $8,300 in cash.
Faces 60 Years
In Wisconsin, behavior that shows complete disrespect for human life and poses an unacceptable danger of death is considered first-degree reckless homicide. A crucial distinction that frequently arises in situations involving panic, low visibility, and firearms is that prosecutors are not required to demonstrate intent to kill.
However, if convicted on all counts, Jones could spend up to 60 years in prison.