MILWAUKEE, Wis. — Two family members are now facing criminal charges in connection with the heartbreaking shooting death of 6-year-old Daquell “King” Collins, who was killed inside a Milwaukee home on April 1.
The boy’s uncle, 21-year-old Quintell Collins, has been charged with second-degree reckless homicide and several other offenses. His mother, Daquela Collins, is also facing charges, including child neglect resulting in death and straw purchasing a firearm, according to the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office.
Emergency crews responded to a 911 call from the child’s grandmother shortly before 9:30 p.m. on the night of the incident. “I think my grandson shot himself,” she told dispatchers. When first responders arrived at the home near 51st and Hope Avenue, they found Daquell unresponsive. Despite life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators say surveillance footage from a neighboring home captured two men fleeing just after the shooting. One of the men was seen hiding a loaded 9mm handgun under a trash can in an alley nearby. That weapon was later recovered by police.
According to investigators, Daquela Collins admitted she had received an Instagram video earlier that day from her brother, showing him rapping and displaying two guns while young Daquell sat nearby on a couch. One of the guns, she said, belonged to her. She also acknowledged knowing Quintell, a convicted felon, was not allowed to possess firearms but did not take any action to protect her son.
On April 3, police located Quintell at a residence near 38th and Glendale. He fled in a black Jeep without plates, leading officers on a four-mile high-speed chase. During the pursuit, he reportedly drove into oncoming traffic, onto sidewalks, and threw money from the vehicle to bystanders.
Quintell was eventually arrested after officers used stop sticks to disable the vehicle. In interviews, police say he lied repeatedly and showed no remorse for his nephew’s death. He is being held on a $100,000 bond and faces several felony charges.
Daquela Collins is being held on a $10,000 bond. Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing and additional charges could still be filed. The community continues to mourn the loss of Daquell, whose death, authorities say, could have been prevented.