Inquest jury recommends charges against officers in Derek Williams case

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The inquest jury in the Derek Williams case reached a verdict in the case on Thursday, February 21st.

After more than six hours of deliberating, the inquest jury found there was probable cause that three Milwaukee police officers committed the crime of failure to render aid by a law enforcement officer when Williams was struggling to breathe while in police custody. The officers in question are Richard Ticcioni, Jason Bleichwehl and Jeffrey Cline.

Jurors also found there was probable cause that a sickle cell crisis was the cause of death for Williams in July 2011.

Neither the officers nor their attorneys were in court to hear the inquest jury's verdict.

Members of the Williams family appeared to be visibly relieved by the decision of the inquest jury.

"This is somewhat history in the making. It's been 25 years or more since this type of thing has occurred. So this a momentous occasion in that regard," said Jonathan Safran, the Williams family attorney. "It's a sad commentary. It involved police officers who now, this jury has made a recommendation that these types of criminal charges be issued. But it is what they have said."

The verdict of the inquest jury is only advisory. It will now be up to the special prosecutor, John Franke, to issue a final ruling on whether the three officers will be charged. He had no comment on Thursday -- and would not indicate how long it would be before a decision on charges was made.

A statement released Thursday afternoon says Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn "appreciates the diligence and professionalism of Special Prosecutor Franke. The Milwaukee Police Department has cooperated and will continue to cooperate with this process."

22-year-old Williams died in the backseat of a squad car in July 2011 after he was picked up by Milwaukee police officers following a foot chase — suspected of an attempted robbery.

Derek Williams

Williams’ death was captured on a squad camera as he struggled to breathe for nearly 15 minutes without help.

A Medical Examiner’s report originally indicated Williams’ cause of death as complications due to Sickle cell trait — but that report was amended, and the cause of death changed to homicide (death at the hands of another). MPD and the Milwaukee County District Attorney concluded the officers involved did not break any rules. However, the two did call for an inquest into the Williams’ case.

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