Darrell Brooks verdict: Waukesha's blue lights return, community responds

WAUKESHA, Wis. - A Waukesha County jury found Darrell Brooks guilty Wednesday, Oct. 26 on all counts he faced in connection to the 2021 Waukesha Christmas Parade attack. 

Following the much-awaited verdict, a resurgence of the "Waukesha Strong" movement was seen across the city. Since the parade attack, blue lights have become a symbol of that strength and togetherness; victims and families are asking everyone to keep their blue lights on Wednesday night.

"It was a joyous event that turned into a horror movie," said Laurie Hogeland, who said she knows the families of victims Jackson Sparks, Jane Kulich and Tamara Durand. "I heard the band, then in a split second I hear blood curdling screams."

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It was the kind of real-life horror that casts a terrible shadow.

"You hate to see a small little community like Waukesha be put on the map for the entire world, we were put on the map not for a good reason," said resident Darcey Bauer.

Just as quickly as the Christmas parade attack happened, Waukesha responded.

"We had been involved with the parade and the sheltering of the people, it was a natural for us," said Norman Bruce, co-owner of Martha Merrell's Books & Toys.

The downtown store handed out blue lights after the parade attack last year. It is a symbol of strength with renewed meaning.

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"It was a symbol you could see anytime you drove through Waukesha," Bruce said. "I think you’re going to see more of the blue lights."

"I know that this will give us healing. This is another step forward in this process," said Tyler Pudleiner, who was hit while marching in the parade. "Keep those blue lights on tonight."

On the day of the verdict, one of the victim's sons carried his mother's ashes with him – and her words.

"We've been praying for this day for a long time," said Marshall Sorenson, whose mother, Virginia, was among the six killed. "My mom always used to tell us when we were kids in our family that, she always said angels watch over you guys. So I just want to say angels watch over you guys and turn on those blue lights tonight."

A verdict can't heal the scars, but after the darkness, victims and community members say it offers some light.

"You can feel that ridge, and little by little that seems to fade – but you don’t forget it," Bruce said.

"I hope that the world now can see all of us healing and getting justice for all of the victims," said Bauer.

This year, the Waukesha Christmas Parade will return to Main Street on Dec. 4. The theme: "Peace on Earth."

Community members react

You didn't have to be in the courtroom to feel the trial's ripple effects. The community is working toward closure, its goal to move forward after a dark year.

"You know it’s going to happen. But until you actually hear it, it finally rings true," said Nick Skiffington, a Waukesha resident. 

Skiffington attended the verdict reading Wednesday. He said he knows many people who ere impacted by what happened – directly and indirectly.

"We were at the parade when we saw the West (High School) band get hit, and both my daughters saw it," he said. "I felt like this is the least I could do to show support for the families."

The verdict, Skiffington believes, will help provide closure to those impacted, even if it can't change what took place at the 2021 parade.

"It’s a silver lining on a dark, cloudy day. It’s what I hoped for, but now actually seeing it come to fruition is definitely a blessing," he said.

Christina Dreyer was working on a "Waukesha Strong" mural in downtown Waukesha after the verdict was read.

"There’s a lot of symbolism and meaning to it," she said. 

READ MORE: FOX6 News coverage of the Darrell Brooks trial

FOX6 News asked Dreyer why she decided to work on the mural Wednesday.

"I waited at home to watch the trial, and see what some of the answers were," she said. "I feel like today is a perfect day to be out here and painting.

"It’s a good thing. It’s a big thing for our community. It means a lot to a lot of people, and I think that this is a day of, ‘Alright, let’s move past this.’"

"Hopefully we’ll be able to hear about some different news now. Instead of this guy," said Lynn Gaffey.

Gaffey told FOX6 she saw the red SUV the day of the parade attack. She, too, was following the trial.

"Looked mildly surprised that he was going to get charged guilty. I mean come on," Gaffey said. "He’s in never-never land, that guy."

As for what's next for the city, Gaffey said getting through this year's Christmas parade will be significant.

"It’s something we’ll never forget," said Gaffey, "but you have to go forward."