Burger King fatal shooting: Restaurant worker charged, on the run
MILWAUKEE - A Milwaukee man is now charged in connection with the fatal shooting of Niesha Harris-Brazell at a Burger King on the city's north side Sunday, Jan. 2.
34-year-old Derrick Ellis – an employee of the Burger King – faces a single charge of possession of a firearm by an outstate felon. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.
According to a criminal complaint, Milwaukee police responded to the Burger King near 51st and Capitol Drive on Sunday evening to investigate a reported shooting.
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The complaint states that evidence was gathered at the scene, including video footage that showed parts of the shooting. In the footage, the shooter appeared to be firing toward an armed suspect at the drive-thru window who was trying to rob the cashier.
The footage showed that after the shooting, according to the complaint, a male employee crawled on the floor collecting fired casings. The same male employee then met with the restaurant manager who opened a safe in the office. The male employee then put white objects inside the safe.
Homicide at Burger King near Capitol & Fond du Lac, Milwaukee (Credit: Incident Response)_
Police interviewed the store manager. The complaint states the manager identified the male employee as Ellis, whom she has known for several years. The manager told police, according to the complaint, that Ellis carries a gun while at work and had it that day prior to the shooting. After the shooting, the manager said that Ellis asked her to hide the gun in the safe "because he was a felon and could not possess it."
The complaint states that Ellis was convicted of attempted second-degree home invasion in Berrien County, Michigan in 2014.
Derrick Ellis
Officers found a white .380 caliber pistol inside the safe, the paperwork says.
If convicted, Ellis could face up to 10 years in prison and could be fined up to $25,000.
Additional suspects
The Milwaukee Police Department continues to seek the unknown armed robbery suspect. The unknown suspect is described as an African American male with a heavy build. He was last seen wearing a red hooded sweatshirt, tan pants and was armed with a handgun.
He was driving a black 4-door Chevy Impala with a sunroof and spoiler on the back.
Burger King homicide suspect sought by Milwaukee police
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Milwaukee Police Department at 414-935-7360; to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 414-224-TIPS or use the P3 tips app.
Less than four hours after the shooting, according to documents reviewed by FOX6 News, police arrested a 38-year-old woman in connection to the shooting. FOX6 is not naming the woman, as she has not been formally charged with a crime.
Victim's mother speaks on charges
Days after losing her daughter, Liceal Brazell learned of this new twist in the case.
"He’s going to get it. He’s going to have to answer," said Brazell. "It’s going to be justice for her."
Niesha Harris-Brazell
The armed robbery suspect, whose actions set off the events that led to the teen's death, fled the scene as the victim lay wounded.
"They took my life, they took my soul and they need to pay the piper for it," Brazell said. "Justice will be served. I forgive them. I’m just grateful for the 16 years I had with my baby, but at the end of the day, you will pay the cost."
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As she searches for justice, Brazell continues to honor her young daughter's memory.
"My baby was about peace, love and life. She was about giving, she was about making your day feel better," Brazell said.
"He can’t run nowhere that God can’t find him."
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