Man convicted in fatal Oshkosh park stabbing

Daunte Riley pleads guilty to reckless homicide in 2025 killing of Walter Brooks

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A Fond du Lac man named Daunte Riley has been convicted of first-degree reckless homicide for stabbing another person, Walter Brooks, to death in Oshkosh's Menominee Park last July. Riley reached a plea deal with prosecutors and faces up to 60 years in prison when he is sentenced on May 7.

Why it matters

Violent crimes in public parks are concerning for community safety, especially in smaller cities like Oshkosh. This case highlights the need for improved security measures and conflict resolution programs to prevent such tragedies.

The details

According to court records, Daunte Riley stabbed Walter Brooks during an altercation in Menominee Park in Oshkosh last July. Riley pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree reckless homicide as part of a plea deal with prosecutors.

  • The incident occurred in Menominee Park in Oshkosh, Wisconsin in July 2025.
  • Daunte Riley was convicted in Winnebago County Court on February 19, 2026.
  • Riley is scheduled to be sentenced on May 7, 2026.

The players

Daunte Riley

A man from Fond du Lac, Wisconsin who was convicted of first-degree reckless homicide for stabbing Walter Brooks to death in an Oshkosh park.

Walter Brooks

The victim who was fatally stabbed by Daunte Riley in Menominee Park in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

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What’s next

The judge will determine Daunte Riley's sentence, which could be up to 60 years in prison, when he is sentenced on May 7, 2026.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the need for improved public safety measures and conflict resolution programs in Oshkosh's parks and public spaces to prevent future acts of violence.