'Families are getting closure': Waukesha community reacts to Brooks' guilty verdict

WAUKESHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- It was an emotional day outside the Waukesha County Courthouse once Darrell Brooks' guilty verdicts rolled out.

Waukesha community members say justice has been served.

It was a tense but gratifying day for the Waukesha community. Community members with ties to the Waukesha Christmas parade tragedy victims were present at court Wednesday.

Laurie Hogeland says she lost three of her friends -- Tamara Durand, Jane Kulich and Jackson Sparks.

"It was a brief moment of relief, but then all the pain comes back. All the pain comes back," Hogeland said.

In and outside the courtroom described as tense and packed.

"I actually couldn't get in, it was overflow, I was in the hallway outside," said Troy Birk.

Birk says he was at the Christmas parade when tragedy struck. He describes the reactions of the victims and families when the guilty verdicts were read.

"There were so many counts, you know, the first few, you know, there was more emotion in that, and then at the end, when they were naming the victims' names out, that was quite emotional to hear," Birk said.

All community members say the Waukesha community has been there for one another.

"We just hold each other up and help each other when we can."

Many of these community members say that now the Waukesha community can focus on healing.

The parade attack happened in the heart of downtown Waukesha on one of the happiest days of the year. The city is still recovering from the shock.

People are happy Darrell Brooks was found guilty but say the damage he did to countless families has been top of mind.

"I think this is good for a lot of people and that they're getting closure," said Waukesha County resident Adriana. "I think he hurt a lot of people and it really impacted so many people's lives, especially people here in Waukesha County.  So, I'm happy that the families are getting closure and that he was found guilty for it."

"I'm very happy that it went the way it went, he deserved what he got," said Holly Stehr, Waukesha resident. "We finally got justice, we can live and walk down the streets and say we got peace and harmony."

Some residents, however, are still weary.

"I still feel like a little unsafe, you know, when I walk around in Waukesha. I have to make sure to look left, to look right, right to left when I'm walking on the street," said resident Quinn.

Many say they're hopeful that their sense of safety will soon be restored.

Following the trial's verdict, a feeling of triumph for those who suffered loss from the tragedy nearly one year ago.

"Justice was served for my wife Virginia Sorenson," said husband and widow David Sorenson.

The family of Dancing Granny 'Ginny' Sorenson said she was present in spirit for the culmination of the trial.

"My five-year-old daughter came up to me and handed me this necklace with my mom's ashes in it and she told me to take my mom with us for the sentencing, so she was with us today," said Marshall Sorenson, son of Virginia Sorenson.

Survivors said the idea of "Waukesha Strong" was exemplified in reaching the guilty verdict.

"We're stronger than him, and it's been proven today," said Tyler Pudleiner, band member of Waukesha South High School.

Victims and their families also expressed gratitude to first responders, community members and the District Attorney's office team that achieved justice.

"It's been amazing to see how wonderful this community has been to pull together for all of those who were hurt that night," said Amber Kohnke, mother of injured victim.

Victims and their families will have another opportunity to directly speak to Darrell Brooks in sentencing.

A hearing is set for Monday to determine who and how many people will speak when that happens.