In a tragic turn of events that has left the Milwaukee community in mourning, a devastating four-car collision claimed the lives of a grandmother and her grandson. The accident, which unfolded on the streets of Milwaukee on Tuesday, March 5, has drawn widespread attention due to the circumstances leading up to it.
The collision was set in motion when Davonte Jackson, a 31-year-old man previously listed among Wisconsin’s Most Wanted fugitives, ran a red light. This reckless act led to a catastrophic chain reaction involving multiple vehicles. Surveillance footage from the intersection of Sherman and Villard captured the harrowing moment, highlighting the severity of the impact. Janice Howard, 55, lost her life on the day of the accident. In a heart-wrenching development, police confirmed that her 11-year-old grandson, Ashton Porter, succumbed to his injuries on Monday, March 11.
Andre Porter, Howard’s youngest son, expressed his grief, remembering Ashton as “an innocent kid in this situation” and “full of life.” The family revealed that Howard was on her way home after picking up Ashton from basketball practice when the tragedy struck. Amidst their sorrow, the family is determined to support each other through this difficult time.
The collision also involved a police squad car, leaving one officer with non-fatal injuries while the other emerged unscathed. A fourth vehicle was caught in the crash, though its driver fortunately did not sustain any injuries.
In the aftermath of the crash, Jackson was apprehended on Eggert Place, a short distance from the scene. He faces charges of recklessly endangering safety and fleeing police, with additional charges pending. At the time of his arrest, Jackson was found with over a pound of suspected marijuana and a digital scale in his vehicle.
Jackson’s criminal history includes accusations of stealing Christmas presents during a home invasion and charges of domestic abuse, criminal damage to property, and felony bail jumping. His arrest marks the end of his time as a fugitive, with a bond set at over half a million dollars and a court appearance scheduled for the following week.
As the community grapples with this tragedy, the resolve to remember and honor the lives of Janice Howard and Ashton Porter remains strong. Alexcis Coleman, Howard’s daughter, vowed, “They’re going to always live on, we’re going to make sure of it.” This sentiment echoes the collective heartache and determination to find solace in the wake of loss.