Driver charged in fatal Milwaukee crash

A 21-year-old man from West Allis, identified as Drake Wallis, has been charged by prosecutors with second-degree reckless homicide following a fatal crash on Milwaukee's south side that resulted in the death of another driver earlier in the month. Wallis made his first court appearance on Monday, Jan. 12, and could face over 30 years in prison and fines exceeding $110,000 if convicted on both counts. The incident in question occurred on Wednesday, Jan. 7, near 76th and Morgan, where Wallis allegedly recklessly caused the death of Dmonte Owens during a collision. Reports suggest that Wallis was driving a black BMW at a high speed and passed a red light, colliding with Owens' vehicle and pushing it onto the sidewalk. Investigators obtained footage of the crash from a witness's dash camera and analyzed data from the BMW's airbag control module, revealing the vehicle's speed and lack of braking leading up to the impact. Further investigations indicated signs of drug impairment, with Wallis admitting to smoking marijuana on the day of the incident. Additional charges may be added pending the results of blood tests. Wallis has a history of previous speeding-related offenses, including reckless driving in 2024.