On the night of November 15, 2018, Joseph Riley, a 23-year-old White/Caucasian male, was at his home in Salem, Wisconsin, when his life was cut short in a violent home invasion. Having been the victim of a robbery just two weeks prior, Riley had started keeping a handgun for protection. This fear would prove to be tragically justified when four men from Racine kicked in his door with the intent to rob him of marijuana and cash, believing him to be an easy target.
The intruders, identified as Augustine Sanchez, Anthony Harris II, Markeith Wilson, and Demarco Hudson, burst into the residence. A frantic exchange of gunfire erupted. Riley, defending himself, managed to shoot two of the invaders, Wilson and Hudson. In the chaos, however, he was struck by four bullets. A woman who was with Riley in the home was also shot multiple times but miraculously survived her injuries. Riley succumbed to his wounds and died at the scene.
The four assailants fled after the shooting. Wilson and Hudson, who had been wounded by Riley, were later dropped off at a gas station, where authorities were called. The subsequent investigation led to the arrest of all four men. They faced severe charges, including first-degree intentional homicide. Augustine Sanchez was identified as the organizer of the robbery. Anthony Harris II was accused of being the first to fire at Riley.
Justice was served as all four perpetrators were convicted for their roles in the deadly home invasion. In February 2020, Markeith Wilson received a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. Anthony Harris II was also sentenced to life in prison in April 2022. Demarco Hudson entered a guilty plea and was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Augustine Sanchez, the mastermind, was also convicted and sentenced, bringing the legal proceedings to a close by August 2022.
