Not guilty plea: Dennis Jackson accused of fatally shooting 23-year-old man

Dennis Jackson



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- 18-year-old Dennis Jackson of Milwaukee pleaded not guilty on Monday, February 23rd in connection with the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Leroy Smith.

Jackson is charged with homicide by negligent handling of a dangerous weapon for an incident that happened at a home near 24th and Hadley early on Monday, January 26th.

According to the criminal complaint, Jackson told police in an interview that “while in the kitchen of the residence he noticed a gun. The gun appeared to be jammed. His brother, Mr. Smith, told him to take the magazine out. In response, he pushed the button to release the magazine and placed the magazine on the table. He then grabbed the hammer of the gun and cocked it back. The bullet did not come out. He then let the hammer go and the bullet came out and struck Mr. Smith.”

One witness told police Jackson was “trying to leave the residence” after the gun went off. But that another person in the house told Jackson “that he was not going anywhere until the police arrived.” After that, Jackson was apparently heard saying, “I didn’t try to do it, I’m sorry, it’s my brother. I tried to uncock it and it went off.”