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Darius Simmons

Aug 8, 2014

Parents of Milwaukee boy shot by neighbor win civil case

The parents of a 13-year-old Milwaukee boy who was fatally shot by an elderly neighbor have won a civil judgment against the convicted killer.

Apr 30, 2014

Case delayed for Milwaukee man who killed neighbor (UPDATE)

A Milwaukee County judge has postponed a decision on whether to bypass a trial in the civil case of John Henry Spooner, who shot and killed his teenage neighbor as the boy's mother watched in horror.

Aug 13, 2013

Insanity defenses face long odds

Despite a few recent cases in which a mental defense was raised, local judges, attorneys and court observers say there has been a decline in the frequency of the defense.

Jul 26, 2013

Spooner questions fairness of trial

John Henry Spooner wrote a letter to his local newspaper on the day he was convicted of killing his teenage neighbor, wondering whether he got a fair trial and asking for help in getting the truth out.

Jul 22, 2013

Spooner’s life sentence shows difficulty of stubborn clients (UPDATE)

Defense attorney Frank Gimbel did not want to question his client John Spooner in court recently, but was forced to when the 76-year-old insisted upon taking the stand.

Jul 19, 2013

Jury: Spooner sane when he killed teen neighbor (UPDATE)

A Milwaukee man knew exactly what he was doing when he accused his teenage neighbor of burglary and then fired a bullet into the boy's chest, jurors decided Friday. The verdict essentially guarantees that 76-year-old John Henry Spooner will die behind bars.

Jul 18, 2013

Despite attorney’s concerns, Spooner declared competent to testify (UPDATE)

Against the wishes of counsel, 76-year-old John Spooner took the stand Thursday afternoon during a trial to decide whether he was mentally ill when he shot and killed 13-year-old Darius Simmons in May 2012.

Jul 17, 2013

Defense wrestles with evidence in Spooner guilty verdict (UPDATE)

In defending a 76-year-old man seen shooting and killing a teenager in footage from his own surveillance camera, defense attorney Frank Gimbel said he had no choice but to concede that his client was guilty of homicide.

Jul 15, 2013

Man faces trial for shooting teen neighbor (UPDATE)

Jury selection began Monday in the case of a 76-year-old white man charged with gunning down a 13-year-old black boy last year on a Milwaukee sidewalk over a theft allegation.

Feb 4, 2013

Milwaukee man found competent to stand trial in teen’s death

A Milwaukee man accused of killing his teenage neighbor has been found competent to proceed to trial.

Jul 5, 2012

Wrongful death suit filed in boy’s shooting

The family of a 13-year-old boy who was fatally shot outside his Milwaukee home has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the 75-year-old suspect and wants an order to prevent the man from disposing of his assets.

Jun 21, 2012

Lawyer in Wis. slaying questions client’s sanity

The attorney for a Milwaukee man accused of shooting and killing his 13-year-old neighbor as the boy's mom watched is questioning his client's mental health.

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