A Milwaukee man is behind bars after police allege he fatally shot a friend who was eating chicken nuggets in a bedroom, following a heated dispute over text messages found on the phone of Jackson’s ex-girlfriend. Wilson Jackson, 34, is charged with first-degree reckless homicide in connection with the death of 41-year-old Bryan Schuller, according to a criminal complaint reviewed by Law&Crime.
Background
The incident unfolded in a Milwaukee, Wisconsin, home on the night of Sept. 7. Police responded to a shooting report and discovered Schuller dead from gunshot wounds to his head and chest. The investigation revealed a complex domestic dynamic: Jackson had moved out of the residence approximately one month prior after breaking up with his girlfriend. Schuller and M.D.W., identified as Jackson’s half-brother, had been living with the ex-girlfriend in the interim.
On the day of the shooting, Jackson allegedly returned to the home to cut down a fallen pear tree. He joined Schuller and M.D.W. for drinks, but reportedly left the house for about an hour while the others ordered food from McDonald's. Jackson returned around 9 p.m., entered his ex-girlfriend’s bedroom, and saw text messages exchanged between her and M.D.W. Police say Jackson became visibly upset, accusing his ex-girlfriend of having a sexual encounter with his half-brother.
The Charges
Prosecutors allege that Jackson pulled a handgun, pointed it at his ex-girlfriend, and fired two or three shots, though neither she nor M.D.W. was struck. M.D.W. reportedly told investigators he believed Jackson was only trying to "spook" them and noted that he had taken away a different handgun Jackson was holding. A physical altercation ensued between Jackson and M.D.W., which moved into M.D.W.'s bedroom.
Jackson then allegedly entered Schuller’s bedroom, where Schuller was on his bed eating McDonald's chicken nuggets. Jackson reportedly asked, "You knew about this going on?" When Schuller denied knowing anything about the text messages, Jackson allegedly fired two or three more shots, striking Schuller. Jackson fled the scene, and M.D.W. attempted to tend to Schuller’s wounds while the ex-girlfriend called 911. Jackson faces charges of first-degree reckless homicide, recklessly endangering safety, and possession of a firearm by a felon.
Key Takeaways
- Wilson Jackson, 34, is charged with first-degree reckless homicide for allegedly shooting Bryan Schuller, 41.
- The shooting was triggered by Jackson discovering text messages on his ex-girlfriend's phone from his half-brother, M.D.W.
- Schuller was an uninvolved party in the text message dispute and was eating chicken nuggets when shot.
- Jackson was out on bond for a previous felony firearm charge and allegedly violated conditions prohibiting firearm possession.
- Jackson is currently held at Milwaukee County Jail on $1 million cash bond.
What's Next
Jackson remains in custody at the Milwaukee County Jail with a $1 million cash bond set. Prosecutors from the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office are expected to proceed with the case based on the criminal complaint. The next steps in the legal process will likely include a preliminary hearing to establish probable cause, followed by an arraignment if the case is bound over for trial. No specific court dates have been publicly announced in the current complaint details.