Milwaukee man charged in 1996 shooting death of Leila Dempsey
Randy Baines
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- 36-year-old Randy Baines of Milwaukee is facing one count of first-degree reckless homicide for a fatal shooting that occurred back in December 1996.
According to the criminal complaint, Baines is accused of shooting and killing Leila Dempsey on December 14, 1996 while she was walking with her son. The incident occurred during an attempted robbery.
Baines allegedly approached Dempsey around 5:30 p.m. on December 14th and asked her for a cigarette. Baines then asked if he could walk with her, and she said "fine." During the walk, Dempsey turned to walk down an alley between 35th and 36th Streets. Halfway down the alley, Baines allegedly pulled out his gun, and tried to rob Dempsey.
According to the criminal complaint, Dempsey began to run during the attempted robbery. Baines claims he tried to run after Dempsey, but slipped. Baines told police during the fall, his gun accidentally went off, killing Dempsey.
Dempsey sustained a gunshot wound to the back of the head.
If convicted, Baines could up to 40 years in prison.