Published on: October 23, 2025, 06:44h.
Updated on: October 23, 2025, 06:44h.
- Prosecutors claim anxiety triggered the tragic poker room shooting
- Donovan Jones charged with the homicides of his cousin and a friend
- Deceased individuals identified as Dwayne Carter and Shaquille Madison
A private underground poker game in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, culminated in a horrifying incident when an unidentified masked individual appeared at the entrance. This led to Donovan Jones facing two counts of first-degree reckless homicide for fatally shooting his friend and cousin, driven by the belief that a robbery was underway.
The charges suggest that prosecutors acknowledge Jones’ perspective, viewing the fatalities as unintended consequences born from a tragic misjudgment fueled by fear.
On October 18, Jones, aged 35, participated in an overnight poker game at a residence in Milwaukee’s northwest region alongside Dwayne Carter, 43, and his cousin, Shaquille Madison, 33.
According to the charging document, the gathering took place in a dedicated poker space equipped with two sizable tables, a television, whiteboards, and posted regulations.
Disturbing Video Evidence
Details from court records suggest uncertainty about prior attendees, but by 7 a.m., only the three men remained. At that moment, Carter and Madison hurried into the kitchen to alert Jones regarding an armed masked individual attempting to enter.
In the moments preceding the shooting, surveillance footage reportedly showed a masked figure entering the home for around three seconds before exiting, as cited in court documents.
The trio armed themselves and sought refuge in the dimly lit basement, per the complaint.
Jones recounted to law enforcement that he fired several shots at what he described as a dark “shadow.” Shortly thereafter, he contacted 911 to express concerns that he had unintentionally shot his friend.
When officers arrived at 7:32 a.m., they discovered Carter deceased in the basement. Madison, having fled out the front door, collapsed on the lawn and later succumbed at the hospital.
Authorities found nine spent shell casings linked to Jones’s weapon, with no evidence indicating that anyone had shot at him. The masked intruder, seen for a brief moment, has not been accused of discharging a firearm.
Jones was noted to have over $5,200 in cash on his person, while a backpack belonging to Madison contained roughly $8,300, according to prosecutors.
Potential 60-Year Sentence
In Wisconsin, first-degree reckless homicide pertains to actions that create an unreasonable risk of death while demonstrating a blatant disregard for human life. Notably, prosecutors do not need to establish intent to kill, a vital distinction often observed in situations characterized by panic, inadequate visibility, and firearms.
Yet, if found guilty on each count, Jones could face up to 60 years in prison.