Milwaukee crash, boy killed, driver 'trying to get license back:' complaint

MILWAUKEE - A Milwaukee man admitted he did not have a valid license when he struck a 15-year-old boy near 91st and Good Hope Friday, April 14, prosecutors say. Donkeise Caldwell later died at Children's Wisconsin.

Shayqwen Thompson, 25, faces one count of knowingly operate motor vehicle while revoked, causing death.

Caldwell's mother said as hard as this situation is, she forgives Thompson. 

"They let me know he passed and I’m like, ‘What?’" said Marquisha Green, Caldwell's mother. "I literally said, ‘What? Are you sure you have the right kid?’ They said, ‘Yeah. We identified him by his school name tag.’"

A criminal complaint says a friend of Caldwell said they had left Vincent High School around 8:30 a.m. to go to Walgreens for some candy and were heading back to school when the crash happened. The friend said they crossed 91st and were in the median when Caldwell crossed over the median and was running in the southbound late. When he got to the middle of the road, he appeared to turn to try to make it back, and he was hit by an oncoming car. 

Another witness said the driver of that car appeared to try to swerve to avoid hitting the boy.

"He was just full of joy," said Marquisha Green, Caldwell's mother. "Just very caring, very kind. We were able to laugh together, pray together. Even though I wasn’t good at basketball, I’d still go out there and shoot hoops with him."

Green's love for her son was clear in the last thing she ever said to him.

"When I say goodbye to him, I tell him I love him and have a good day," said Green.

Shayqwen Thompson, Donkeise Caldwell (PHOTO: Marquisha Green)

Thompson told investigators he saw the two teens and one of them "edged" out into the street and then "darted" into the street as though he was trying to beat the oncoming car. According to the complaint, Thompson said he tried to change lanes to avoid hitting the boy, but that was unsuccessful. He said after the crash, his windshield shattered, and he was covered in glass. He said he continued through the intersection, made a turn and called for help, the complaint says. 

According to prosecutors, he admitted he did not have a valid license after failing to pay a ticket and noted several operating after suspension tickets. He said "once you get so many tickets, it is hard to catch up," telling investigators he was "trying to get his license back."

The complaint says Thompson is a "habitual traffic offender." His license was revoked in December 2022, and prosecutors noted seven operating after suspension convictions.

"I have compassion, and everyone in this world, whether he’s an upstanding citizen or not, people make mistakes," said Green.

Green said she has too much love in her heart for anything else.

"I didn’t know who did it, and I actually forgave the person because I’m not a person who keeps hatred in my heart," said Green.

Thompson made his initial appearance in court Tuesday, April 18. Cash bond was set at $1,000.

In a statement after the crash, MPS said:

"Today, Milwaukee Public Schools is deeply saddened by the loss of one our students.

"In light of this tragedy, we offer our condolences to the family members, students, staff and community members who are impacted.

"Upon hearing the news, the MPS crisis team immediately rushed to Vincent High School to provide emotional support for students and staff and remained on site throughout the day.

"MPS will continue to offer support services as needed as we continue to grieve."  

A GoFundMe.com account has been set up to help pay Caldwell's funeral expenses.