Tommorrow Brumfield, a 14-year-old girl from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, tragically lost her life on June 13, 2022, in what was described as an accidental shooting. The incident occurred the night before her eighth-grade graduation. According to court records, Tommorrow was at home with family and friends, preparing for her graduation ceremony. She had been showing off her newly done nails and picking out clothes for the event. During this time, a family friend, Damon L.
Douglas, 28, pointed a real gun at her forehead in a playful manner, believing it to be harmless. Unfortunately, the gun discharged, resulting in Tommorrow's death.
Douglas was charged with second-degree reckless homicide and was held in Milwaukee County Jail with a cash bail set at $10,000. The criminal complaint detailed that Tommorrow was living with her sisters and an adult woman named Brittany, who was not their legal guardian but was looking after them. The atmosphere in the home was described as 'playful and friendly' before the tragic incident occurred. Witnesses stated that Douglas had known Tommorrow and her sisters for a long time and referred to them as his own kids.
In September 2023, Douglas was sentenced to three years in prison and an additional three years of extended supervision after pleading guilty to an amended charge of homicide by negligent handling of a dangerous weapon. This plea deal reduced the original charge of second-degree reckless homicide. The court acknowledged that the details of the incident were murky, with conflicting witness statements. However, it was agreed that the gunshot shocked everyone present, including Douglas, who reportedly fell to the floor screaming that it was an accident.
The case highlighted the dangers of having firearms in homes with children and the importance of safely storing guns. Judge Jean Marie Kies emphasized the need for the community to lock up firearms and keep them away from children, stating that children are our greatest resource and that Tommorrow's opportunity was tragically taken away.
