The trial of George Zimmerman for the killing of Travon Martin captured national attention due to the criminal profiling and racial aspects of the case. Some have compared the shooting of Travon Martin to the shooting of Darius Simmons last year in Milwaukee, because that shooting also involved criminal profiling and possible racial motivation. On May 31, 2012, John H. Spooner shot and killed Darius Simmons because he erroneously suspected Darius of stealing guns from his home. Mr. Spooner confronted Darius and then shot him in the chest, while Darius’ mother was watching only a few feet away.
As a result of the shooting, the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s office charged John H. Spooner with first degree intentional homicide. The trial has been delayed twice due to health issues for Mr. Spooner’s lawyer and one of the expert witnesses in the case. On July 15, 2013, the trial for Mr. Spooner finally began. Please continue to follow our website and our blog for continuing updates on the case.
The Milwaukee personal injury and wrongful death attorneys of Samster, Konkel & Safran represent the mother of Darius Simmons. On her behalf, we have filed a lawsuit against John H. Spooner for the killing of Darius. The lawsuit contains two claims: (1) a battery claim for the killing of Darius and (2) a negligent infliction of emotional distress claim because Darius’ mother witnessed the shooting.
