Commander's Award · 2022

In February 2021, the Fond du Lac Police Department was faced with the sudden and tragic homicide of Mr. D.P., who was fatally shot following a confrontation in the City of Fond du Lac.

What initially appeared to be an incident requiring a rapid police response to a single automobile accident quickly developed into a complex homicide investigation. Investigators were tasked with determining exactly what had occurred, identifying those involved, locating witnesses, and developing the evidence necessary to establish the circumstances surrounding Mr. D.P.'s death.

Officer Keywon C. Brown played an important role in the investigation. Recognizing the importance of establishing the events leading up to the homicide, Officer Brown conducted an extensive neighborhood canvas covering approximately a one- to two-mile radius. He went from house to house seeking information and surveillance footage that could help establish the movements of the individuals and vehicles involved.

Officer Brown recovered and forensically examined evidentiary video from numerous locations. He then began retracing the suspected path of travel backward, using each piece of information and evidence to work toward establishing where the events had originated.

That painstaking process ultimately led investigators to critical evidentiary sounds captured on surveillance equipment. Those sounds provided investigators with information that helped establish the date, time, and location of the initial homicidal assault, giving the investigative team a critical starting point for reconstructing the events surrounding Mr. D.P.'s death.

The investigation required investigators to work quickly while following multiple leads and evaluating information as it became available. Officer Brown's persistence, attention to detail, and willingness to methodically work through a large geographic area were instrumental in developing evidence that otherwise may not have been discovered.

The investigative team continued working diligently around the clock to identify the individuals responsible. The evidence and information developed during the investigation allowed investigators to establish connections between the victim, the suspects, and the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

The investigation progressed remarkably quickly. Within 48 hours of the homicide, investigators had identified and apprehended those believed responsible, bringing a significant break to a case that had begun only two days earlier.

Officer Brown's contribution demonstrated exceptional investigative initiative, persistence, and attention to detail. His efforts to systematically canvas the community, recover and analyze surveillance evidence, and retrace the path of travel until critical evidence was located contributed significantly to the department's ability to reconstruct the events and advance the homicide investigation.

For his exceptional performance and significant contribution to the investigation of Mr. D.P.'s homicide, Officer Brown was recognized with a Commander's Award. His work contributed to the department's ability to rapidly identify those responsible and move the case forward toward prosecution, providing an important measure of justice and accountability for Mr. D.P. and his family.