Dejah Adkins, a 16-year-old girl from Franklin, Wisconsin, tragically lost her life on June 10, 2018, in a shooting incident in Milwaukee. Dejah and her 19-year-old boyfriend, Frank Cardona, were found shot to death near 87th and Congress streets. A third victim, a 17-year-old boy, was also injured in the incident but survived. The circumstances surrounding the shooting were initially unclear, with Dejah's family expressing shock and confusion over why she was in that particular neighborhood. Dejah was described as a low-key teen who enjoyed math and animals and had recently obtained her driver's license.
The investigation into the deaths of Dejah Adkins and Frank Cardona revealed that the shooting was the result of a botched robbery plan. Terrance Mason, 21, and Kevon Barnes, 18, were implicated in the crime. According to court documents, the group, including the victims, had planned to rob a marijuana dealer. However, the situation escalated, leading to the fatal shootings. Mason admitted to shooting both Adkins and Cardona in the head, while Barnes was also involved in the incident. The autopsy reports indicated that Dejah suffered three gunshot wounds to her head, and Frank Cardona was struck by both 9mm and. 40 caliber bullets.
Terrance Mason was sentenced to 70 years in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of first-degree reckless homicide. His sentence included 35 years for each count, to be served consecutively, along with 10 years of extended supervision for each count. Kevon Barnes faced charges of first-degree reckless homicide and was scheduled for a jury trial. The case highlighted the brutal nature of the crime, with Mason's actions described as both unusual and extremely violent. The sentencing brought some measure of justice for the families of the victims, who had been deeply affected by the loss of their loved ones.
