On a summer night in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the life of a 33-year-old Black/African American man, Vincent Fayne, was tragically cut short. In the early morning hours of July 20, 2014, outside Rickey's Strip Club near 26th and State Street, an act of violence unfolded that would end in Fayne's death. He had been at the club, noticeable for his "flashy" clothing and the significant amount of jewelry he wore.
This display of wealth unfortunately caught the attention of another patron, 25-year-old Keithany Brodie.
According to statements Brodie later gave to police, he perceived Fayne as an easy target for a robbery. As the club was closing around 2:15 a.m., Brodie obtained a gun and confronted Fayne outside. When Fayne attempted to flee, a chase began. Brodie pursued him, firing the weapon multiple times. An autopsy would later reveal that Fayne had been shot six times, with five wounds in his back and one in his side. After shooting Fayne, Brodie stole his phone and a ring before leaving him on the sidewalk. When authorities arrived, they found Fayne, who was then transported to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
The investigation into Vincent Fayne's murder led police to Keithany Brodie. A woman identified him as the suspect two days after the killing, and another witness also picked him out from a series of photos. Surveillance video from the area captured the chase and the robbery, showing a person of Brodie's approximate size pursuing Fayne, pointing a gun at him, and taking his property. Brodie was arrested and charged with first-degree intentional homicide, robbery with the use of a dangerous weapon, and possession of a firearm by a felon.
Keithany Brodie's case proceeded to trial, where he pleaded guilty to the firearm charge but not guilty to the homicide and robbery charges. However, a jury found him guilty of first-degree intentional homicide and robbery with use of force. In December 2014, a judge sentenced Brodie to life in prison for his role in the death of Vincent Fayne. He will not be eligible for consideration for extended supervision for 56 years, ensuring a long period of incarceration for the senseless act of violence that ended a man's life over a few pieces of jewelry.
