Milwaukee Man Faces Charges After Deadly Shooting at Underground Poker Game

A poker game that ran late into the night on Milwaukee’s northwest side ended in tragedy when a man shot and killed two players because he thought an armed robbery might happen. The authorities have charged 35-year-old Donovan C. Jones with two counts of first-degree reckless homicide for his alleged role in the October 18 incident.

Masked Intruder Sparks Deadly Panic at Milwaukee Poker Game

The criminal complaint states that Jones took part in a private poker game at a house near West Ruby and Appleton avenues, reported the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Several people gathered there on Friday evening, and the game lasted into the early morning. As the night ended and players started to clean up, someone saw a man in a black ski mask coming toward the house. This person seemed to have a rifle.

Soon after, security cameras recorded a masked person entering the home briefly and leaving within seconds. Police claim this quick appearance caused alarm inside the house. Jones, his cousin Shaquille Madison, 33, and their friend Dwayne Carter, 43, got weapons and went to the basement.

Jones informed investigators that he concealed himself under the stairs, hearing movement and steps close by. Scared, he shot several times at a dark shape in the shadows, later understanding he may have hit one of his friends. He then dialed 911, telling operators he was scared and thought he had killed his friend.

Investigators Link All Gunfire to Jones’ Weapon

When police showed up, they discovered Carter dead in the basement and Madison outside the house, hurt. Madison was rushed to a local hospital but died soon after. Officials found nine shell casings, all matching Jones’s gun. No proof suggested that anyone else inside or outside the house fired a weapon.

People at the scene backed up the story of the chaos. A woman told the police she was cleaning up after the game when a man in a mask came in. He pointed a rifle, made fake shooting noises, and then ran off. She rushed to the basement, heard shots, and later saw Carter lying dead on the floor. Another person there, who dealt cards, said he watched Madison stumble outside right after the gunshots.

The police found out that the room was set up as a casual poker spot. It had tables, TVs, and rules for the house posted on the walls. Both victims had money on them. Jones had over $5,000, and Madison’s backpack held more than $8,000, but nothing was stolen.

Prosecutors said Jones did not seem to intend to kill, but his actions showed he had no regard for human life. If found guilty on both counts, he could get up to 60 years in prison for each charge. Jones remains in custody on a $35,000 cash bond and will go to court next week.