In a shocking turn of events, a Milwaukee man has confessed to his role in the horrific murder of a 5-year-old boy who lived in his building. The killer, David P., admitted to participating in the beating and suffocation of young Prince M., who had gone downstairs to play video games with P. and another teenager, Eric M.
The case unfolded in October 2023 when Prince’s mother allowed him to go downstairs in their building to play video games. When she couldn’t find him hours later, she contacted the police, and a frantic search ensued. The next day, the unimaginable happened: Prince’s lifeless body was discovered in a dumpster near their home.
The investigation quickly led authorities to P.’s basement unit. Initially, he denied involvement, claiming he had been on a walk when Prince disappeared. However, his alibi crumbled when GPS data from his cell phone contradicted his story. Police arrested P. for obstruction, and as the investigation continued, the horrifying truth emerged.
During questioning, P. confessed that Prince had come to his apartment to play video games with him and the other teenager, Eric M. He admitted to leaving the room and returning to find M. choking Prince. What followed was a brutal assault where both P. and M. admitted to beating the young boy.
During P.’s sentencing hearing, the court heard chilling details about how the two teenagers used a golf club, a barbell, and their fists to inflict pain on Prince. P. confessed that he thought the boy was dying and that he and M. then wrapped the child’s body in duct tape and garbage bags.
Surveillance footage captured the two teenagers disposing of something near a dumpster, which was later confirmed as the location where Prince’s body was found. P. attempted to clean up the blood in his apartment, but his efforts were futile.
In a stunning courtroom confession, P. admitted to his role in the crime, pleading guilty to first-degree intentional homicide as a party to a crime. As part of the plea deal, lesser charges, including physical abuse of a child, hiding a corpse, and repeated acts causing death, were dismissed but will be considered during sentencing.
The judge meticulously reviewed P.’s rights, ensuring he understood the implications of his guilty plea. He acknowledged that he was giving up his right to a trial, the right to remain silent, the right to confront his accusers, and the right to present evidence in his defense.
The court also confirmed that P. understood the severity of the crime and the potential sentence he faces. First-degree intentional homicide as a party to a crime carries a maximum penalty of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
While P. will not face additional charges for the other crimes he confessed to, the court made it clear that these acts would be considered during sentencing. The judge emphasized that he has the discretion to impose the maximum penalty allowed by law.
The sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 26th, during which both P. and Prince’s family will have the opportunity to address the court. This heartbreaking case has left the community in shock and mourning, as they grapple with the senseless loss of a young life.
