It took just a half hour on Jan. 22 for a Milwaukee County jury to find a former gas-station security guard guilty of intentional homicide in the fatal shooting nearly three years ago of a man who stole a box of snack cakes.
The first-degree intentional homicide for which William Pinkins, 58, was convicted carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
The charge stems from the Aug. 16, 2023, shooting death of Isaiah Allen. At the time, Pinkins, a previously convicted felon, was working as a security guard for Teutonia Gas & Food at 4295 N. Teutonia Ave.
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.
Allen’s killing triggered protests and demonstrations in front of the troubled Milwaukee business. It also gave momentum to an effort to draft a city ordinance requiring private guards to get a license and a bonding agreement.
The ordinance initially was passed, but was later withdrawn.
Th jury also found Pinkins guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm. He was previously convicted of homicide in Milwaukee County for shooting a smoke shop clerk in the head during a May 1989 robbery, court records show.
The trial began Jan. 20. Pinkins took the stand on Jan. 22, testifying he did not remember what happened the day of the shooting.
Court records show the jury began deliberations at 3:47 p.m. and returned with a verdict at 4:18 p.m. the same day.
After the verdict, Pinkin asked the court to find him not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect.
A doctor found last year that Pinkins was competent to stand trial, but Pinkins never withdrew his plea of not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect, court records show.
Circuit Court Judge Michelle A. Havas set a hearing for next month.
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: Gas station guard convicted of killing man over shoplifted snacks
Reporting by Chris Ramirez, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
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