Milwaukee, WI – A Wisconsin man who shot and killed a store clerk because his pizza was being made “without gloves” has been convicted of first-degree intentional homicide and faces life in prison. The murder, which took place in October 2024, left a 26-year-old new father dead and shocked the Milwaukee community.
The Incident: Argument Over Pizza Turns Deadly
The fatal shooting occurred on October 19, 2024, at Action Food and Liquor on N. Dr. Martin Luther King Drive in Milwaukee. According to the Milwaukee Police Department, 39-year-old Charles J. Leggett became enraged after he saw an employee preparing his pizza without gloves, calling it “unsanitary.”
Witnesses said Leggett argued with cashier Jamil I. Owies, who had recently welcomed his first child. The argument escalated into shouting before Leggett pulled a handgun from his pocket and shot Owies in the chest.
Officers responding to a 911 call at 11:50 a.m. found Owies lying unresponsive behind the counter with no pulse. Despite lifesaving efforts by paramedics, Owies was pronounced dead at the scene.
“The shooter puts the gun to Owies’ chest, shooting Owies, and then quickly runs out of the store,” investigators wrote in the police affidavit.
Surveillance video clearly captured the incident, showing Leggett’s face and his movements as he reached over the counter and fired before fleeing.
Investigation and Evidence: Shooter Identified by Video
Investigators said the store’s high-quality surveillance footage helped identify Leggett as the suspect. The video showed him walking to the back of the store, then returning to confront Owies. Although the footage had no audio, detectives noted that Leggett appeared visibly upset, gesturing angrily before pulling out his weapon.
Another store employee told police that after hearing the gunshot, he rushed to the counter and found Owies gasping for air.
Leggett was arrested shortly after the killing. During a post-Miranda interview, he confessed to the shooting, telling police that he “shot him once” because he believed the worker’s handling of his food was unsanitary.
“The Defendant informed Owies it was unsanitary, then Owies became loud with the Defendant and said he would do something to the Defendant,” the police affidavit stated. “Police asked the Defendant what he did, and the Defendant replied, ‘I shot him.’”
Leggett told investigators that after the shooting, he ran to a friend’s house, threw away his clothes, and did not tell anyone what happened.
Court Proceedings and Conviction
On October 16, 2025, a Milwaukee County jury found Charles J. Leggett guilty of first-degree intentional homicide with a dangerous weapon and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Jurors deliberated for less than 30 minutes before returning the unanimous guilty verdict, according to court records reviewed.
Leggett now faces a mandatory life sentence, with sentencing scheduled for December 17, 2025, before Circuit Judge David L. Borowski.
Prosecutors described the case as a “senseless act of violence” that claimed the life of a young father over a trivial argument.
“A man lost his life simply for doing his job,” one prosecutor said following the verdict. “This tragedy serves as a painful reminder of how quickly anger can destroy lives.”
Community Reaction and Victim’s Legacy
The victim, Jamil I. Owies, was described by coworkers as a devoted father and hard worker who had recently become a parent. His family has asked for privacy as they continue to grieve the loss of their loved one.
Community members in Milwaukee expressed shock and sadness, calling the killing pointless and cruel. Local organizations have renewed calls for de-escalation training and mental health resources, urging residents to resolve disputes peacefully.
Residents also honored Owies with a vigil outside the store, leaving candles and flowers near the site of the shooting.
Background and Legal Context
Under Wisconsin law, first-degree intentional homicide carries a mandatory life sentence, with the possibility of parole only at the discretion of the court. The additional charge of felon in possession of a firearm reflects Leggett’s criminal history, which prohibited him from owning a weapon.
Legal analysts noted that the speed of the jury’s decision indicated overwhelming evidence, including the video footage and Leggett’s own confession.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
Leggett will remain in custody at the Milwaukee County Jail until his December sentencing. During the upcoming hearing, Judge Borowski will determine parole eligibility and conditions of imprisonment.
The Milwaukee Police Department has since praised the rapid investigation and cooperation between officers, prosecutors, and the community that led to a swift conviction.
Conclusion
A dispute over food safety escalated into a deadly confrontation that left a new father dead and a man facing life in prison. As Milwaukee awaits sentencing next month, the tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating cost of uncontrolled anger and violence.
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