News Summary
Donovan Jones, 35, has been charged with two counts of 1st-degree reckless homicide after a shooting at a late-night poker game in Milwaukee. The incident resulted in the deaths of two men, Dwayne Carter and Shaquille Madison, who were playing cards at the time. Jones claimed he mistook a situation for a robbery, leading to the shooting. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for October 31.
Milwaukee Man Charged with Two Counts of 1st-Degree Reckless Homicide Following Fatal Poker Game Shooting
A Milwaukee man, 35-year-old Donovan Jones, has been charged with two counts of 1st-degree reckless homicide in connection with a shooting incident that claimed the lives of two individuals during a late-night poker game. The incident took place at a home near Appleton and Ruby on October 18, 2025.
The shooting reportedly occurred after Jones believed someone was attempting to rob the house. The victims, identified as Dwayne Carter and Shaquille Madison, were both involved in the poker game at the time of the incident. Carter was found dead in the basement, while Madison succumbed to his injuries later at the hospital.
Jones was the one to call 911 early on the morning of the shooting, expressing concern that he had killed a friend. He informed the dispatcher that he had spotted a masked intruder attempting to rob them and began shooting after hearing footsteps downstairs.
Upon arriving at the crime scene, police discovered a total of nine spent 9mm casings in the basement along with two 9mm handguns. Notably, Dwayne Carter was found with $5,230 in cash, while Shaquille Madison had a backpack containing $8,330 and a 9mm handgun. The home was set up with two large poker tables, numerous open liquor bottles, snacks, and poker rules visible throughout the area.
The Incident’s Circumstances
According to Jones, he and others had been playing poker throughout the night, with games typically concluding between midnight and 2 a.m. However, in this instance, the games extended past 6 a.m. During the game, the power went out, which raised suspicion among the players. When the electricity returned, Carter stepped outside to take out the trash but returned moments later claiming that an armed robbery was in progress. This prompted Jones to arm himself.
Jones recounted seeing a silhouette of an arm and a firearm, leading him to fire several rounds in that direction out of fear for his safety. He later admitted to police that he did not directly observe anyone point a firearm at him and was unaware of anyone returning fire during the incident.
Legal Proceedings
In a recorded statement, Jones acknowledged that a 9mm semi-automatic pistol recovered at the scene belonged to him, which linked him to the spent casings found around the area. He made his initial court appearance on October 23, 2025, where a cash bond of $250,000 was requested. However, the presiding judge set the bond at $35,000.
A Milwaukee County Court Commissioner indicated that this case is tragic and revolves around the situation of a masked intruder, noting that a jury would ultimately deliberate on the matter. Jones’ preliminary hearing is scheduled for October 31, 2025.
Background Context
This incident highlights the potential for violence occurring in informal social settings, particularly when combined with elements such as alcohol consumption and the presence of firearms. It serves as a reminder of the significant consequences arising from sudden misunderstandings and escalations during moments of heightened tension.
The circumstances surrounding poker games, similar to many gatherings involving gambling and alcohol, can escalate swiftly into chaotic situations. This incident underlines the importance of firearm safety and responsible decision-making in high-stakes situations. Further developments in the case will be closely monitored as the legal process unfolds.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 6 Now: Milwaukee Man Charged with Homicide
- Wikipedia: Homicide
- JSONline: Glendale Landlord Convicted
- Google Search: Glendale Landlord Convicted
- WISN: Milwaukee Fatal Crash Homicide Charges
- Google Scholar: Milwaukee Reckless Homicide
- JSONline: Cousin Faces Homicide Charges
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Reckless Homicide
- WISN: Fatal Stabbing over Taco Bell Job
- Google News: Milwaukee Fatal Stabbing
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
