Trial approaches in drive-by shooting case

Matt Milner, The Leader-Telegram, Eau Claire, Wis.
·2 min read

EAU CLAIRE — Two men charged with the death of a man in 2022 in what authorities have called a drive-by shooting.

Kemone Golden and Michael Purnell face charges of first degree intentional homicide, discharging a firearm from a vehicle toward a building or vehicle, and two counts of first degree recklessly endangering safety. Both have pleaded not guilty.

Wednesday’s hearing was one of the last events before a planned August trial. The joint trial of two defendants, involving three defense attorneys, means there’s more planning needed than usual.

Judge Beverly Wickstrom told the attorneys she will not issue an order prior to trial about who does what, instead relying “on body language of Counsel to know who wishes to go next in questioning.” The intricacies also extend to things like objections to comments or questions by prosecutors. Wickstrom said any of the defense attorneys who believes they have a valid objection may object.

Wickstrom’s comments don’t preclude the attorneys from coming to their own agreement. Wickstrom signaled she would sign an order if the defenses collectively agree on one.

Multiple defendants also means a higher probability of greater crowds for the trial. Since the courts are open, anyone can attend so long as there is space. But the court said people will not be allowed to enter the courtroom wearing “clothing that is blatantly in support of a person.”

A final status and scheduling conference is set for July 15. Wickstrom said she will decide at that hearing whether to sequester jurors and witnesses.

Xavier Thompson and Jamon Sullivan are also co-defendants in the case, but they are being tried separately. Thompson is scheduled for trial in October. Sullivan’s trial will take place next year.

Prosecutors contend the four were responsible for the September 2022 death of Christopher Connor. According to the criminal complaints, two groups of people encountered each other multiple times over the course of an evening spent bar hopping. A confrontation between the two groups took place, but they separated.

When Connor left the area in one car, three others followed. The shooting took place near Bergen and Bellevue avenues. Police responded to the 500 block of Bergen Avenue where a bystander was tending to Connor, who an autopsy revealed had been shot in the heart.

Purnell was arrested hours later and Thompson was charged in October 2022. Golden was charged the next month. Sullivan wasn’t arrested until October 2023.