A wedding celebration in Milwaukee descended into chaos on June 20 when a groomsman allegedly opened fire, injuring two guests, after a dispute over eating meatballs with his hands. Police are searching for 41-year-old Thomas Redrick Williams, who is wanted on suspicion of reckless injury with use of a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm by a felon, and bail jumping, according to the Daily Mail.
Altercation Begins in Kitchen
According to a criminal complaint, the confrontation started in the kitchen when the bride's cousin saw Williams helping himself to meatballs with his hands and told him to use a plate and cutlery. Police said the exchange quickly escalated, with the woman telling officers that Williams punched her after she challenged him. Her brother-in-law intervened as the argument became physical.
Shooting and Injuries
Prosecutors say Williams then pulled out a gun and fired. The woman was shot in the arm and leg, while the man was hit in the back of the neck. Both were taken to a nearby hospital and survived their injuries.
Bride's Intervention
The bride allegedly witnessed the shooting and followed Williams outside as he tried to leave. She confronted him beside his car and grabbed his key fob in an attempt to stop him from driving away. Williams then abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. Police searched the car, registered to Williams' wife, and found a Taurus 9mm handgun.
Suspect's Background
Williams' wife told officers the pair had attended the wedding together, and that Williams dropped her at home before returning with her car. Authorities say Williams was already out on bond in a separate case when the shooting occurred. A warrant has been issued for his arrest, but as of June 30, jail records showed he had not been taken into custody.
Community Reaction
Footage from local station 12 News showed the visibly distressed bride outside the venue. Neighbors expressed shock that a wedding celebration ended in violence. "For a wedding to be shot up like that is ridiculous," local resident Robert told WISN 12 News. "A wedding day is supposed to be something that two people have to care and love each other, and for someone to disrupt that is disrupting a family."
