A former security guard who fatally shot a man stealing a box of snack cakes from the Milwaukee gas station where he worked will spend the rest of his life behind bars.
Circuit Court Judge Michelle A. Havas handed down a life sentence on Aug. 6 for William Pinkins in the Aug. 16, 2023, shooting death of Isaiah Allen.
Pinkins was working as a security guard for Teutonia Gas & Food, at 4295 N. Teutonia Ave., despite being a convicted felon. That includes two homicides – one that was committed when he was 15.
Prosecutors say Pinkins shot Allen, 29, in the back of the head after witnessing him take a box of Little Debbie’s snack cakes and walk out without paying.
A Milwaukee County jury convicted him in February of first-degree intentional homicide in Allen’s death.
“He was a great and loving son, and a loving father,” Allen’s mother Natalie Easter said. “You robbed and stole the precious moments he could have had with his children.”
According to a criminal complaint, Allen entered the store shortly before 6:20 a.m. A security guard was seated in the back of the business.
Security video that was shown to the jury during Pinkins’ trial showed Allen grab a box of the pastries and leave with it. The security guard rose from his chair and approached Allen while producing a handgun.
Within about arm’s distance, the guard shot Allen in the back of the head.
Pinkins initially lied to investigators, telling them “some kids” had fired shots at the business, the complaint says.
This is a developing story. Stay with jsonline.com for updates.
Chris Ramirez covers courts for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He can be reached at caramirez@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Former Milwaukee gas station guard gets life for killing shoplifter
Reporting by Chris Ramirez, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
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By Chris Ramirez, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel | USA TODAY Network
