After sentencing Darrell Brooks to life in prison for killing six during a Wisconsin Christmas parade, the judge said, 'this community can only be safe if you are behind bars for the rest of your life.'
Brooks spoke softly and slowly as he addressed the court before his sentencing.
"I made a decision to rededicate myself to Christ when this tragedy happened," Brooks said."I have repented, that I have asked God for forgiveness.""I want everyone to know, including the community of Waukesha, not only am I sorry for what happened, but that you could not see what was truly in my heart .... and all the tears that I dropped," he said.
Flashes of his anger, seen often during the trial and in hearings immediately preceding it, returned as he raised his voice to say the parade incident"was not, not, not and attack. ... This was not an intentional act." Pressed for an answer, Brooks said he wanted to be sentenced somewhere he could be medicated to remove the"pain" he continues to struggle with mentally, and"to not be put in a place to just be forgotten about."Prior to sentencing, several relatives and friends, including Brooks' mother Dawn Woods, spoke on his behalf.
She acknowledged that people who act maliciously out of mental illness should be held accountable, but through medication, therapy and special institutions. Woods said people need to show empathy and compassion in that regard.
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