Teen Sentenced to Life in 2023 Wisconsin Apartment Shooting as Courtroom Fight Erupts
The case of Parise Larry Jr. brought profound tragedy to Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, after a shooting incident claimed the life of a young woman and injured several others. On December 19, 2025, Larry was sentenced to life in prison for his role in this violent act. The courtroom drama reached new heights when chaos erupted during the proceedings, underscoring the deep emotions tied to this tragic event.
At just 14 years old, Larry was tried as an adult for first-degree intentional homicide in connection with the shooting that killed 20-year-old Tatyanna Zech outside the Maplewood Commons apartment complex. This incident occurred during a confrontation involving a weapons dispute. Prosecutors characterized the shooting as a deliberate attack, noting that it was not random but rather targeted, stemming from escalating tensions between Larry, his co-defendant Antonio Johnston, and Keyshawn Johnson, the intended target.
The events unfolded on the evening of May 7, 2023, when Larry and Johnston approached the scene armed with firearms. They fired a total of 14 rounds, with 13 coming from the attackers and one from Johnson in self-defense. Tatyanna Zech was shot in the back of the head while taking out the trash—a moment that should have been routine turned deadly in an instant.
During the trial, forensic evidence linked firearms to both Larry and Johnston. Additionally, surveillance footage from the scene depicted the chaos as the pair confronted the victim’s group. The footage contradicted the defense’s claim that Larry acted out of fear, showing him and Johnston approach while visibly armed.
District Attorney Eric Toney remarked on the nature of the attack, condemning it as a “clear, deliberate, and lethal response to a petty dispute.” The court was not only confronted with evidence but also with emotional testimonials from those affected. Javier Rodriguez, one of the injured, shared his struggle with lasting pain—a poignant reminder of the shooting’s devastating impact.
In a striking moment, Larry attempted to apologize to Tatyanna’s family during sentencing. This gesture led to unrest in the courtroom as family members from both sides clashed amidst the emotional turmoil. At least two individuals were arrested, showcasing the raw pain and anger still surrounding the case.
Judge Laura Lavey delivered a stern statement to Larry, emphasizing the choices he made and the consequences of his actions. “You had choices. You made the worst possible one,” she said. This assertion hints at a larger conversation regarding accountability, particularly for youth involved in violent crimes. Larry’s team sought to frame him as a frightened teenager in a dangerous situation, but the evidence suggested a conscious decision to escalate the conflict instead of seeking help or retreating.
The shooting has reverberated through the community, highlighting ongoing concerns about juvenile crime and gun violence. Following the incident, Fond du Lac authorities announced increased patrols and outreach efforts aimed at addressing safety in local housing complexes. Yet, statistics reveal a troubling trend with gun-related arrests involving juveniles surging in the area. This raises questions about underlying issues contributing to youth violence and how communities can address them effectively.
As sentencing concluded, Tatyanna Zech’s family spoke briefly, underscoring the sorrow that remains even amidst a verdict. “She was here one minute, gone the next,” her grandmother lamented. This sentiment captures the collective grief felt not only by family and friends but also by a community grappling with the implications of youth violence and its far-reaching consequences.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the complexity surrounding youth offenders facing severe penalties. While Wisconsin law permits minors as young as 10 to be charged as adults for serious offenses, such actions continue to spark debate about justice, rehabilitation, and the challenges of addressing juvenile crime. As legal proceedings involving Johnston continue, the conversation about age, choice, and accountability is far from over.
Ultimately, the consequences of the shooting reach beyond the courtroom. The emotional fallout for victims and their families intertwined with the defendants’ families amplifies the tragic nature of this event. Tatyanna’s life was extinguished over a dispute that escalated in violence, leaving a hole that can never be filled. The sentencing is not just a punishment but a reflection of a society facing the harsh realities of youth crime and its implications for the future.
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