Repeat Offender Charged in Fatal Milwaukee Hit-and-Run

A 22-year-old repeat offender has been charged with multiple serious crimes following a hit-and-run incident in Milwaukee that resulted in the death of an emergency medical technician (EMT). This tragic event highlights ongoing concerns over repeat offenders and public safety.

Why It Matters

This incident underscores the challenges within the justice system regarding repeat offenders, particularly those whose prior convictions have severe consequences. The growing prevalence of high-speed street racing and reckless driving poses risks to public safety, demanding urgent legislative and community responses.

Key Developments

• Incident Overview: The crash occurred on January 15 when a pickup truck allegedly struck an SUV driven by 34-year-old EMT Meng Kue, who did not survive the collision.

• Charges Filed: Dayton Milligan is facing charges of first-degree reckless homicide, fatal hit-and-run, and operating a vehicle while revoked.

• Additional Arrests: Earl Gordon, 37, has also been charged for aiding Milligan post-collision.

• Speed Analysis: Investigators found that the pickup truck was traveling at speeds exceeding 100 mph just before the crash, significantly over the 35 mph speed limit.

• Past Convictions: Milligan was previously convicted of second-degree reckless homicide in 2021 and had been under Department of Corrections monitoring at the time of the incident.

Full Report

Incident Details

On January 15, a crash unfolded in Milwaukee when a pickup truck collided with an SUV at the intersection of 76th and Appleton streets. Witness accounts indicate that the pickup truck and two other vehicles were racing just before the crash, estimated to be traveling at 80 mph. Meng Kue, the driver of the SUV, was critically injured and later died from multiple blunt force injuries.

The driver of the pickup truck fled the scene but was approached by a witness who described him as appearing shaken but unharmed. This witness later reported that the driver grabbed items from the truck and escaped in one of the other racing vehicles.

Investigation Findings

Police located the pickup truck and determined, through the vehicle’s Airbag Control Module data, that it had reached speeds of 106 mph moments before the crash. Milligan’s identification was discovered in the truck along with receipts linking him to a visit to a local hospital shortly before the incident.

Authorities arrested Milligan on January 16, one day after the crash. Subsequently, they arrested Earl Gordon, who reportedly had been in contact with Milligan on the night of the incident. Gordon allegedly drove Milligan from the crash scene, claiming he was unaware of the vehicle’s involvement in the fatal incident.

Evidence Collected

During the investigation, law enforcement executed a search warrant at a residence associated with Gordon, where they found a blue puffy jacket matching the description of Milligan’s clothing seen on security footage from the hospital. Additional items, including a firearm and blood-stained jeans, were discovered during this search.

Context & Previous Events

Milligan has a troubling history with vehicular offenses. In June 2021, he was convicted of second-degree reckless homicide resulting from a crash that killed Mahzhaquad Ford. This history raises questions about the effectiveness of current measures to monitor and manage repeat offenders.

Both Milligan and Gordon are now facing significant legal repercussions as the case explores broader issues of public safety and accountability.