Robert Washington Sr. sentenced to 41 years in prison for shooting his own sons, killing one

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- A Milwaukee County judge sentenced 58-year-old Robert Washington Sr. on Tuesday, December 2nd to 41 years in prison and an additional 11 years of extended supervision.

Washington pleaded guilty in October to shooting his two sons -- killing one of them.

It happened in June, following an argument at the Washington's home on Theresa Lane in Glendale. Washington’s 20-year-old son, Robert Washington Jr., died after being shot in the chest. His 15-year-old son, Wesley, was shot twice in the leg. Wesley is the one who called 911. When officers arrived on the scene, they found both sons lying in the driveway.

According to the criminal complaint, the boys were playing basketball when their father fame outside and appeared to be drunk. The complaint says the father got in the way of them playing — and Wesley said he knocked his father over. That’s when an argument started — and ended with Robert Washington Sr. going inside to get a gun — and then shooting at the two.

The complaint says Robert Sr. told police his 15-year-old son Wesley tried to bully him — and bullied him all the time.

Annette Washington came to court for Robert Sr.'s sentencing clutching the senior pictures of Robert Washington Jr. -- the son she says she cries for every day. She read a poem Robert Jr. wrote while he was away at college. The poem talks about his effort to get good grades and his ability in track -- a two-time state champion in the sport.

"I cry. I try not to cry publicly. I cry privately," Annette Washington said.

Annette Washington says her son Wesley, a sophomore at Nicolet High School, hasn't recovered enough from being shot in the leg to excel in the several sports he played.

Robert Jr. played high school football with the defense attorney's son. Robert Sr.'s lawyer had strong words for his own client in court during his sentencing hearing.

"You don't bring a damn gun to a family dispute - period. Period," the defense attorney said.

Robert Washington Sr. spoke to the court Tuesday, December 2nd, but found it difficult to finish his thoughts.

"My son, Robert Curtis Washington II. That was my son. I loved him. I was his protector..." Robert Sr. said.

Wesley Washington did not speak in court during his father's sentencing hearing.

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