Life in prison for man convicted in shooting on Wahl Park basketball courts after he lost a fight
Ronqwell Fondren
MILWAUKEE -- A man convicted in connection with a fatal shooting that happened at Wahl Park in August 2017 was sentenced to life in prison Thursday, July 11.
Ronqwell Fondren, 32, was convicted by a jury in March on two counts -- first degree intentional homicide, use of a dangerous weapon, and possession of a firearm by a felon.
In court on Thursday, July 11, Fondren was sentenced to serve life in prison on the homicide conviction. He would be eligible for parole after 30 years. He was sentenced to serve five years in prison and five years' extended supervision on the possession of a firearm conviction, to be served concurrently, with credit for 695 days' time served.
Joseph Benson, 23, was fatally shot at the basketball courts at Wahl Park on Aug. 15, 2017.
According to the criminal complaint, a witness to the crime indicated Fondren drove with the witness to Wahl Park that day. They walked over to the basketball courts. The complaint then indicated "Fondren got into an argument with the victim, which escalated into a physical fight."
Shooting at Wahl Park
The witness who talked with police said she held onto Fondren's .380 pistol during the fight. She told investigators "Fondren lost the fight without even landing a punch, and was angry." Fondren then apparently grabbed his weapon back from the witness. She "observed Fondren shoot the victim twice."
Shooting at Wahl Park
The complaint noted Fondren was convicted of armed robbery with threat of force in 2006, and therefore, he was prohibited from possessing a firearm.