Gas station shooting suspect named, homicide charges announced

Updated: 3:40 p.m. on Aug. 22, 2023

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The security guard charged for a deadly Milwaukee gas station shooting last week, made his first court appearance Tuesday, Aug. 22. 

William Pinkin faces a first degree intentional homicide charge for the shooting death of Isaiah Allen. 

The prosecution on Tuesday, asked for $250,000 cash bond and the court granted the request, pointing out that Pinkin is still under state supervision for a homicide conviction decades ago. 

Pinkin is due back in court for a preliminary hearing on Aug. 30. 

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Updated: 2:20 p.m. on Aug. 18, 2023

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- We now know the name of the man who allegedly shot and killed 29-year-old Isaiah Allen at a Milwaukee gas station Wednesday morning, Aug. 16. We also know he has killed someone before.

William Pinkin, 56, has been charged with first degree intentional homicide, a felony that carries a life sentence.

The criminal complaint describes what police say happened before Pinkin shot Allen in the back of the head.

Isaiah Allen was apparently killed over a box of snack cakes.

In the criminal complaint, the District Attorney's office said Allen walked into the Clark gas station at Teutonia and Roosevelt Wednesday morning, took a box of Little Debbies, and started to leave.

Pinkin was sitting in the back of the store working as a security guard. Security video shows Pinkin get up, pull out a handgun, and rush after Allen.

At a little more than arm's length away, Pinkin raises the gun and shoots Allen in the head.

Pinkin stayed on scene. The complaint described him as calmly milling around, even smoking a cigarette at one point just outside the door.

First responders could not revive Allen. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Pinkin told investigators he worked at the store, but that he did not see the shooting. Eventually he left.

Two days later, on Friday, Milwaukee Police announced he had been arrested.

Pinkin has already served time in prison for killing someone. In 1989 he was charged with first-degree reckless homicide and robbery with the use of a dangerous weapon.

The earliest Pinkin will appear in court is Monday.

Because of the 1989 felony convictions, he would be barred from having a gun.

Milwaukee Alderwoman Andrea Pratt has pledged to regulate how businesses hire private security.