Just days before the commencement of Darrell Brooks’ trial, his mother, Dawn Woods, has voiced profound apprehensions regarding her son’s mental state and potential conduct during the proceedings. As jury selection is set to begin in Waukesha on Monday, Brooks’ decision to represent himself against numerous charges related to the Waukesha parade tragedy has amplified his mother’s worries.
Woods anticipates a swift trial, asserting that her son lacks a viable defense. Her primary concern stems from Brooks’ diagnosed mental illnesses, and she openly criticizes the judge’s decision to permit him to act as his own legal counsel. She expressed deep skepticism about how the trial will unfold, stating, “I can see the storm coming.”
This “storm,” as described by Dawn Woods, is the specter of another intense, manic episode from Darrell Brooks once his homicide trial gets underway. Drawing from years of experience, she detailed the manifestations of these episodes: “Shouting, acting out, it’s throwing chairs, it’s destroying things. It’s all of the above. It’s like someone setting off a time bomb.”
For four decades, Dawn has been attempting to “defuse” this metaphorical time bomb. She maintains daily contact with Brooks in jail, but she notes a recent shift in his demeanor. The mounting stress and pressure appear to be taking a toll, leading her to fear he is on the brink of a complete mental collapse, possibly a psychotic breakdown. “I’ve been hearing Darrell slowly slipping for the past two months,” Woods revealed.
Dawn Woods, mother of Darrell Brooks, expresses concern over her son’s mental health diagnosis and potential behavior during the upcoming Waukesha trial, highlighting the challenges posed by his mental state in the legal proceedings.
Brooks has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and personality disorder. According to Dawn, when he is not on his medication, Brooks becomes explosively reactive when he experiences panic or fear. These manic episodes, she explained, can persist for days or even months. “I don’t know when the manic is going to end. Or how far it’s going to go,” she confessed, underscoring the unpredictability of his condition.
Woods recognized signs of an episode manifesting earlier in the week when Brooks made the decision to represent himself and dismiss his legal team. “He just said, ‘well, hey, I might as well just do it myself since nobody is trying to my concerns,'” she recounted, suggesting a possible disconnect from reality and sound decision-making driven by his mental state.
This decision leaves Brooks to face the trial alone at the defendant’s table, with limited support expected in the courtroom. Dawn Woods herself will not be present in the audience. “As his mother, I cannot sit there and watch those people just rip him to shreds,” she stated, revealing the emotional toll of witnessing her son confront the immense public anger and grief surrounding the Waukesha tragedy.
She acknowledges the intense animosity directed at Brooks in Waukesha and mentions that he receives hate mail in jail. Despite this, she expressed empathy for the victims and their families, saying, “I give them my condolences. I am so sorry what happened. And I will continue to pray for them.”
Darrell Brooks in court, where his self-representation and mental health diagnosis are central to the unfolding narrative of the Waukesha parade tragedy trial.
When questioned about whether she believes her son is still a danger to others, Dawn Woods offered a different perspective. She concluded that Darrell Brooks is currently “more of a danger to himself,” shifting the focus from external threat to the internal turmoil and potential self-destructive tendencies associated with his mental health challenges. This statement highlights the complex interplay between Darrell Brooks’ diagnosis and his capacity to navigate the intense pressures of the upcoming trial.
