A wedding reception in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, turned violent on June 20 when a groomsman allegedly shot two people after an argument over eating meatballs with his hands. Police are searching for 41-year-old Thomas Redrick Williams, who is accused of reckless injury with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm by a felon, and bail jumping.
Meatball Dispute Sparks Violence
According to a criminal complaint, the altercation began in the kitchen when the bride's cousin saw Williams eating meatballs with his hands and told him to use a plate and cutlery. The situation escalated quickly: police say Williams punched the woman after she confronted him, and her brother-in-law intervened as the argument turned physical. Prosecutors allege Williams then pulled out a gun and opened fire.
Victims and Injuries
The woman was shot in the arm and leg, while the man was hit in the back of the neck. Both were taken to a nearby hospital and survived their injuries. Officers arrived at the Aria Business Center to find a man and a woman with gunshot wounds.
Bride's Intervention and Suspect's Escape
The bride allegedly witnessed the shooting and followed Williams outside, confronting him beside his car and grabbing his key fob to prevent him from driving away. Williams abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. Police searched the car, registered to Williams' wife, and found a Taurus 9mm handgun.
Williams' wife later told officers they had attended the wedding together, and Williams dropped her at home before returning with her car. Authorities say Williams was already out on bond in a separate case at the time of the shooting. A warrant has been issued for his arrest, but as of Monday, he had not been taken into custody.
Community Reaction
Footage from local station 12 News showed the visibly distressed bride outside the venue. Neighbors expressed shock that a wedding celebration ended in violence. 'For a wedding to be shot up like that is ridiculous,' local resident Robert told WISN 12 News. 'A wedding day is supposed to be something that two people have to care and love each other, and for someone to disrupt that is disrupting a family.'
