Back in July 2011, Derek Williams died in the back seat of a Milwaukee Police Department (“MPD”) squad car. Initially, the Milwaukee County medical examiner ruled that Mr. Williams died of “natural causes.” After reviewing the complete police reports from the incident and viewing the disturbing squad car video, which shows Mr. Williams gasping for air and begging police officers to help him, the medical examiner changed his ruling regarding Mr. Williams’ death to homicide.
As a result of the medical examiner’s new ruling, the Milwaukee County District Attorney reopened the case and decided to conduct a public inquest into the death. John Franke, a former Milwaukee County Circuit Court judge and assistant United States Attorney will conduct the investigation and inquest into the death of Mr. Williams.
Read more about the special prosecutor appointment in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel report.
Our Milwaukee Personal Injury Lawyers to Represent Williams Children
The civil rights lawyers of Samster, Konkel & Safran represent the long-term girlfriend of Derek Williams, on behalf of their three young children. Our Milwaukee personal injury lawyers are pleased with the appointment of Judge Franke to conduct the investigation and inquest. In addition to the inquest by Judge Franke, we also still believe that there should be a separate investigation by the United States Attorney’s Office regarding this case. Our Milwaukee personal injury attorneys will do our best to see that there is justice and accountability for Mr. Williams’ death.
