On a Sunday evening in Milwaukee, March 30, 2014, the life of 17-year-old Arelius D. Williams Jr., a Black / African American male known to friends as "Deejay," was tragically cut short. He was found lying face down in the street near 37th and Lancaster, the victim of a single gunshot wound to his upper right back. Despite attempts to save him, Williams was pronounced dead at the scene.
The events that led to his death began earlier that day as three men, Deante Burns, Michael Burks, and Demetrius Taylor, drove around looking for someone to rob. After passing on one potential victim they deemed too large, they spotted three younger males, including Williams, and decided to make them their target. Burks, the driver, pulled the car into a nearby alley, and his accomplices exited the vehicle to confront their chosen victims. Burns, armed with a semi-automatic handgun, announced the robbery by stating, "you know what this is." As the young men attempted to flee, Burns fired the weapon, fatally wounding Williams. The attempted robbery was ultimately unsuccessful, as they were unable to get any money from the victims.
A neighbor who heard the gunshot saw three men getting into a vehicle and was able to provide police with a license plate number. Investigators also recovered surveillance footage from the area. The license plate was traced to the girlfriend of Michael Burks, who was subsequently arrested. During questioning, Burks admitted to his role as the getaway driver and identified the others involved. He explained that after the shooting, Burns had tossed the handgun, and they had to circle back to the area to retrieve it.
Deante Burns, who was 19 at the time, was arrested and faced multiple charges. Initially charged with felony murder, the charge was later amended to first-degree reckless homicide with the use of a dangerous weapon, in addition to a charge of attempted armed robbery with the use of force. Following a jury trial, Burns was found guilty on both counts. He was sentenced to a total of 45 years in prison, to be followed by 20 years of extended supervision. Michael Burks, the driver, was also charged with felony murder for his role in the crime.
