The following vignettes describe the circumstances for killings not ruled self-defense by private individuals with permits to carry concealed handguns. The incidents below all occurred in Wisconsin. The descriptions include the current, known status of any charges filed against the concealed carry killer as reported by news sources as well as noting instances where the perpetrator committed suicide.
The Violence Policy Center welcomes any new information regarding the status of any case (with verifiable source(s)). Use this link to contact the VPC: http://www.vpc.org/contact.htm.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Edward Sanders, Jr. CONVICTED
Date: August 8, 2020
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On August 8, 2020, concealed handgun permit holder Edward Sanders, Jr., 31, shot and killed Guillermo Martinez, 23, following an altercation. On the day of the shooting, Sanders and his brother Deangelo Herron went to Outbreak Billiards and Bar to meet some friends. In the parking lot, Herron was attacked by Martinez and two of his friends. Sanders took out his gun and yelled at the men who were attacking his brother. When the fight continued, Sanders pulled the trigger, shooting Martinez in the shoulder. The bullet traveled through Martinez’s arm, entered his torso and went through his lungs. Martinez died at the scene. Sanders claimed he did not intend to kill Martinez, but only wanted to stop the attack on his brother. On February 4, 2021, Sanders was convicted of first degree reckless homicide with the use of a dangerous weapon. On April 23, 2021, Sanders was sentenced to 10 years in prison followed by 10 years of extended supervised release.
Source: “Punishment for a life taken, even if it was in defense of his brother: Sanders gets 10 years,” journaltimes.com, April 25, 2021; “Suspect charged with homicide for Saturday Douglas Ave. shooting,” journaltimes.com, August 12, 2020.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Delames Jones UNINTENTIONAL
Date: May 5, 2019
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On May 5, 2019, concealed handgun permit holder Delames Jones, 46, unintentionally shot and killed himself during a struggle over his semiautomatic handgun. Jones was armed with a holstered gun when he became involved in an argument with several acquaintances. During the argument, Jones threatened to shoot people and began to pull the gun from its holster when several people attempted to overpower and disarm him. While attempting to control his gun Jones unintentionally shot himself in the stomach and thigh. After an investigation, Jones’ death was ruled to be an unintentional self-inflicted shooting.
Source: “Concealed carry holder fatally shoots himself during struggle over gun,” jsonline.com, May 7, 2019.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Victor M. Cintron CONVICTED
Date: May 3, 2019
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On May 3, 2019, concealed handgun permit holder Victor M. Cintron, 23, allegedly shot and killed Jose L. Rodriguez-Castro, 22, at a traffic light on the south side of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Cintron pulled up to the vehicle containing Rodriguez-Castro and his girlfriend, Lexi Rivera, who was Cintron’s ex-girlfriend. Cintron allegedly fired at the vehicle and struck Rodriguez-Castro eight times as he attempted to shield Rivera from gunfire. Three other occupied vehicles were also struck by the gunfire. Police found 21 spent 9mm shell casings at the scene of the shooting. According to court records, Cintron had ignored demands to turn over his firearms to authorities after Rivera filed a restraining order against him on April 10. The day after the restraining order was filed, an arrest warrant was issued for Cintron and he was charged with two counts of battery (domestic abuse assessment) and two counts of disorderly conduct (domestic abuse assessment) for allegedly beating and threatening to kill Rivera. Rivera said Cintron had “engaged in a series of physically assaultive, abusive, and threatening behaviors.” Cintron was charged with one count of first-degree intentional homicide, use of a dangerous weapon, and one count of attempted first-degree intentional homicide, use of a dangerous weapon.
UPDATE: In August 2021, Victor Cintron was found guilty of first degree intentional homicide, attempted first degree intentional homicide, and three counts of first degree recklessly endangering safety in the death of Jose L. Rodriguez-Castro. In December 2021, Cintron was sentenced to life in prison, and will be eligible for parole after serving 50 years of his sentence.
Source: “Milwaukee 2019 homicide, Victor Cintron gets life in prison,” fox6now.com, December 22, 2021; “Victor Cintron Jr., wanted in fatal shooting near 27th and Hayes, arrested in California,” fox6now.com, May, 20, 2019; “Domestic abuser killed woman’s new suitor weeks after she got a restraining order, complaint says,” jsonline.com, May 7, 2019; “‘So much violence:’ Police tackled suspect who ran after officer-involved shooting,” fox6now.com, May, 7, 2019.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Jordan Fricke CONVICTED
Date: February 6, 2019
People Killed: 1
Law Enforcement Officers Killed: 1
Circumstances: On February 6, 2019, concealed handgun permit holder Jordan Fricke, 26, allegedly shot and killed Milwaukee Police Officer Matthew Rittner, 35, outside Fricke’s duplex in the south side of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Ritter, a 17-year veteran, was serving a search warrant with other officers at the duplex as part of an investigation into illegal drugs and firearms sales. Police identified themselves over loudspeakers before attempting to enter the home. Fricke fired several shots through the door with a high-powered rifle killing Ritter. According to friends, Fricke bought and worked on firearms, and enjoyed going to gun shows and shooting ranges. Fricke was raised by his grandparents and was described by friends as a “couch potato” who regularly used marijuana and was not consistently employed. Fricke was charged with first degree intentional homicide, two counts of first degree recklessly endangering safety, and maintaining a drug trafficking place. He was held on $1 million bond.
UPDATE: In July 2019, Jordan Fricke was found guilty of: first degree intentional homicide; use of a dangerous weapon; first degree recklessly endangering safety; two counts of use of a dangerous weapon; and, maintaining a drug trafficking place. On October 3, 2019, Fricke was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Source: “Jordan Fricke sentenced to life in prison without parole in shooting of Officer Rittner,” fox6now.com, October 3, 3019;“Officer shooting suspect Jordan Fricke hit with another charge,” tmj4.com, June 13, 2019; “Procession to funeral home reflects a city in mourning over Milwaukee officer’s shooting death,” jsonline.com, February 7, 2019; “Jordan Fricke: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know,” heavy.com, February 7, 2019.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Calvin C. Eldridge CONVICTED
Date: May 7, 2018
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On May 7, 2018, concealed handgun permit holder Calvin Eldridge, 49, shot and killed his neighbor Victor Reynolds, 54, following a fight at the Village Road apartment building where both men lived. Eldridge shot Reynolds in the leg in the hallway of their apartment building. Reynolds was taken from the scene by paramedics, and died in the hospital the following day. Police described the incident as the final escalation in a feud between upstairs-downstairs neighbors that involved complaints about loud music and slamming doors. According to the District Attorney, “Mr. Eldridge was running around the neighborhood carrying 32 rounds of ammunition when he got into the fist fight with Mr. Reynolds.” In an audio recording of the fight heard through a 911 call, Reynolds could be heard saying, “Hit me one more time,” followed by a gunshot. Prosecutors also referred to prior incidents where Eldridge brandished his firearm when there were confrontations in the neighborhood. On September 18, 2018, Eldridge plead guilty to felony second degree reckless endangerment and misdemeanor endangerment with use of a dangerous weapon. He was sentenced to nine months in jail and four years of probation and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $4,800.
Source: “Portage man sentenced to 9 months in jail 4 years probation for fatal shooting,” wiscnews.com, September 18, 2018; “Neighbor feud leads to fatal shooting, arrest at Portage apartment,” wiscnews.com, May 8, 2018.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: James Clinton Atterberry, Jr. CONVICTED
Date: October 15, 2016
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On October 15, 2016, concealed handgun permit holder James Clinton Atterberry, 26, allegedly shot and killed Ronnie McMillon, Jr., 26. According to the criminal complaint, Atterberry and McMillon, who had been staying at the same residence in Kenosha, began arguing about Atterberry having a gun. The argument became more heated and Atterberry shot McMillon multiple times with a 9mm Glock pistol. Atterberry was charged with first-degree reckless homicide.
UPDATE: In April 2017, Atterberry’s first degree reckless homicide trial ended with a deadlocked jury and a mistrial was declared. The charge against Atterberry was amended to second degree reckless homicide, and he plead guilty to that charge on April 20, 2017. On May 26, 2017, Atterberry was sentenced to 12 years in prison plus an additional seven years of extended supervision.
Source: “James Atterberry sentenced to 12 years in prison in murder of Ronnie McMillon,” fox6now.com, May 26, 2017; “Concealed carry permit-holders charged in Milwaukee shootings,” Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, October 19, 2016.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Not identified PENDING
Date: April 1, 2016
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On April 1, 2016, an unidentified concealed handgun permit holder, 35, allegedly shot and killed Odyssus Henry, 67, following a workplace dispute at Transit Express, where both men worked. According to police, Henry had noticed that tools were disappearing from the shop, so he used his cell phone to record video of the facility after hours. The video showed a co-worker allowing his friends into the shop, before the phone went missing. The suspect in the shooting confronted Henry about the phone on the morning of the shooting. The two men got into an argument and Henry threw a punch. The suspect then took a gun from his locker and allegedly shot Henry twice. The shooter was taken into custody.
Source: “Employee shot dead by colleague, police say,” wisn.com, April 1, 2016.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Octavia W. Dodson CONVICTED
Date: March 25, 2016
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On March 25, 2016, concealed handgun permit holder Octavia W. Dodson, 28, allegedly shot and killed Deshun T. Freeman, 21. Just before 11:00 PM on March 25, several people called 911 to report hearing gunshots. Dodson was among the callers, telling police that he had shot a man who he claimed had pulled a gun on him. Dodson told police he was armed, had left the scene, and would turn himself in to police. Milwaukee’s ShotSpotter system detected six shots near the intersection of N. 10th Street and W. Concordia Avenue. Investigators found two bullet holes in a house at that location. Officers found Freeman lying face down in the street, having been shot three times, including once in the head. No firearms were found with Freeman. A green Buick Park Avenue was parked nearby with the engine running and the headlights on. Officers went to a home a block away to meet Dodson, who directed officers to a 9mm pistol. Next to the pistol was a 17 round magazine, loaded with 11 rounds. Dodson told police that he was driving when he was rear-ended while stopped at a red light by a blue Buick with bluish purple window tint. He claimed that when he got out to inspect the damage the other car kept driving. Dodson said that as he continued driving, a car came speeding up behind him before pulling over and parking at the side of the road. Dodson said he recognized the car as the one that hit him so he pulled over as well. Dodson then claimed a man got out of the car, yelled an expletive and ran toward him with his hands in his pockets. Dodson initially told investigators he fired from inside his car, but later said he left his car and shot the man from a standing position. Police noted discrepancies between Dodson’s description of the car that struck him and the car found at the scene and were investigating whether any accident took place at all. Dodson was charged with homicide.
UPDATE: On July 18, 2016, Octavia Dodson pleaded guilty to second degree murder in the death of Deshun Freeman.
Source: “Octavia Dodson pleads guilty in fatal shooting over car accident,” cbs58.com, July 18, 2016; “Concealed-carry permit holder charged in shooting death,” Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, April 4, 2016.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Shanika S. Minor CONVICTED
Date: March 6, 2016
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On March 6, 2016, concealed handgun permit holder Shanika S. Minor, 25, shot and killed her mother’s neighbor, Tamecca Perry, 23, following an argument about loud music. Perry was nine months pregnant at the time of the shooting and her unborn child did not survive. On March 5, Minor was at her mother’s house and got into an argument with Perry whom she felt had disrespected her mother in an earlier argument over loud music. Minor challenged Perry to a fight and fired several shots in the air before her mother convinced her to leave. Minor returned a few hours later and resumed her argument with Perry at around 3 AM on March 6. Minor’s mother got between the two women who had known each other since eighth grade, but Minor reached over her mother and shot Perry in the chest. Perry died at the scene. Minor pleaded guilty to two counts of first degree reckless homicide and was sentenced to 30 years in prison plus 10 years on supervision, on each count, to be served concurrently. The judge in the case questioned whether lax concealed carry laws had made the community safer, noting that several people licensed to legally carry guns had been in court for shootings and homicides. “Some involved self-defense, the majority did not,” he stated. He observed that many were “looking for trouble.” When Minor’s attorney said that Minor did not take the gun specifically to the confrontation, but always carried it, the judge replied, “Even worse….Now we have everyone running around armed to the teeth, thinking they can solve every dispute by firing off a few rounds.” He called Minor’s case a new low, noting that he’d heard of people taking out a gun in a fist fight, but Minor had brought a gun to a verbal disagreement.
Source: “Milwaukee woman gets 30 years for slaying over loud music as judge questions concealed carry,” Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, August 24, 2017.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Amy Van Wagner CONVICTED
Date: May 17, 2015
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On May 17, 2015, concealed handgun permit holder Amy Van Wagner allegedly shot and killed her husband Stanley Van Wagner in their home. On that day, Amy Van Wagner went to a neighbor’s house and asked for help, saying that she had found her husband unresponsive in the basement. The neighbor saw her husband lying on the basement floor covered in a tarp and called police. According to police, responding officers found Stanley Van Wagner suffering from multiple gunshot wounds and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators also found a computer and pillow near his body with bullet holes in them. Amy Van Wagner claimed that she went to the basement to start a load of laundry when she found her husband. Upon searching the home, investigators found two shell casings in an office upstairs along with blood, a hole in the drywall, and an empty leather handgun holster lying on the floor near a gun safe. Investigators later found two fired .380 bullets in the office, and a large blood stain under an ottoman and rug in the basement. Investigators noted that it “appeared someone placed the rug over the blood stain to conceal it.” Investigators learned that Amy Van Wagner sometimes carried a .380 handgun, and all of the fired bullets and shell casings found at the scene had characteristics similar to her weapon. Investigators noted that it appeared that Stanley Van Wagner had been shot in the upstairs office and then dragged downstairs to the basement, where his body was “found” by Amy Van Wagner. On February 24, 2016, Amy Van Wagner was arrested and charged with first degree intentional homicide and hiding a corpse.
UPDATE: On March 13, 2017, Amy Van Wagner was found guilty of first degree intentional homicide and hiding a corpse in the death of her husband.
Source: “Amy Van Wagner found GUILTY in death of husband, Stanley Van Wagner,” fox6now.com, March 13, 2017; “Amy Van Wagner expected to make plea in shooting death of husband,” fox6now.com, March 14, 2016.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Do Thao CONVICTED
Date: July 25, 2014
People Killed: 2
Circumstances: On July 25, 2014, concealed handgun permit holder Do Thao, 23, allegedly shot and killed Beelee Chang and Jack Yang while they were seated in a vehicle. Chang was shot in the back of the head and died at the scene, while Yang was shot twice in the back of his neck and once in the shoulder and died at a hospital two days later. After the shooting, the car Chang and Yang were in traveled forward and collided with a building. Police officers responding to the shooting found Thao hiding in the bushes nearby. According to police, Thao told officers, “I had to do it, they ain’t right.” Thao later told officers that he had been drinking beer on the night of the shooting and “did not remember what happened.” He told officers that “he did have his CCW permit with him.” Thao was charged with two counts of first-degree intentional homicide and use of a dangerous weapon. He faces up to life in prison if convicted.
UPDATE: On May 1, 2015, Do Thao was sentenced to 42 years in prison and 18 years probation for the murders of Bee Lee Chang and Jack Yang.
Source: “Concealed Carry Permitholder Sentenced to 42 Years for Double Milwaukee Homicide,”mediamilwaukee.com, May 3, 2015;“Milwaukee man accused of shooting, killing two people near 51st and Lisbon,” fox6now.com, July 28, 2014.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Phillip K. Green CONVICTED
Date: May 25, 2013
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On May 25, 2013, concealed handgun permit holder Phillip K. Green, 40, shot Ernest Banks, 26, in the face with his 40 caliber handgun, killing him. Green, Banks, and two other men had met earlier that evening at one bar, drove together to another, and then planned to go to a strip club. When Green said that he didn’t want to go to the strip club and instead wished to be dropped off at his car, Banks took offense. He stopped the car the four men were traveling in, pulled Green from the back seat, and began hitting him. During the attack, Green pulled his handgun and shot Banks. Green, who had obtained his concealed carry permit a few months earlier, then called police. In his closing argument, the Assistant District Attorney stated that Green “wasn’t protecting his life, he was firing back in anger”and that he had used lethal force in what was clearly a “fist fight.” When asked why he had a gun that night, Green said that he always carried it with him when he was alone. When it was pointed out that he had not been alone that night, Green said that he had left his handgun in his car when the group had met at the first bar, but that when they left together he took the gun with him, fearing it might be stolen from his vehicle. Green was found guilty of first-degree reckless homicide while armed with a deadly weapon and faces a sentence of up to 45 years.
Source: “Jury convicts Milwaukee concealed-carry permit holder in fatal shooting,” Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, January 8, 2014.