Milwaukee man wanted in North Dakota homicide kills 2 in pursuit crash: Authorities

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Milwaukee man Donald Cooper, 27, faces six charges in connection with a fatal crash that happened at 51st and Center in Milwaukee on Friday, April 3.

According to the criminal complaint, U.S. Marshals were conducting surveillance on April 3 for Cooper, who was wanted in North Dakota for homicide. Members of the Fugitive Task Force initiated a traffic stop, but Cooper did not stop, “instead, increasing his speed and fleeing.” The complaint says “the pursuit lasted several miles and reached speeds of 90 mph.” At 51st and Center, the court document says Cooper “disregarded a red traffic light and collided with another vehicle.” After the crash, he exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot. But he was quickly apprehended.

Two people inside the vehicle that was struck died from injuries suffered in the wreck. They are identified as 23-year-old Joseph Badora and 20-year-old Maria Buhler.

The complaint says Cooper stated “he knew that law enforcement was looking for him related to a homicide in North Dakota, and that his face had been on the news. He stated that he did not want to turn himself in because he did not want to get locked up.” Cooper told authorities he “noticed a vehicle following him” and thought it could be police. He also “thought it was people that had previously shot at him on another occasion.”

Cooper faces criminal counts of second-degree reckless homicide (two counts); vehicle operator flee/elude officer resulting in the death of another (two counts); and knowingly operate motor vehicle while suspended – cause death (two counts).