This story out of Wisconsin has left folks heartbroken and shaking their heads. A 39-year-old man’s anger over something as small as a pizza order turned deadly — and now, he’s likely spending the rest of his life behind bars. Prosecutors say Charles J. Leggett fatally shot 26-year-old Jamil I. Owies, a store clerk who had just welcomed his first child weeks earlier, all because he was upset about how his pizza was prepared.
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Surveillance Footage Shows Pizza Dispute Turn Deadly
Police say the incident happened on October 19, 2024, at Action Food and Liquor in Milwaukee. Surveillance footage reportedly shows Charles Leggett placing an order for pizza, walking to the back of the store, and then returning to argue with Owies at the counter. Moments later, Leggett pulled out a gun, aimed it at Owies’ chest, and fired before fleeing the scene. When officers arrived, they found Owies unresponsive behind the counter — and despite their best efforts, he was pronounced dead on site.
“Though the video does not have audio, it is apparent the shooter is upset, and begins to motion his hands at Owies,” the affidavit reveals. “Owies appears to argue back, and then the shooter reaches his hand into his right pocket where the handle of a handgun can be seen protruding from his pocket. The shooter then positions himself at the counter, and abruptly reaches over the counter with his right hand with the handgun in hand. The shooter puts the gun to Owies’ chest, shooting Owies, and then quickly runs out of the store, as Owies falls to the ground behind the counter.”
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Leggett Says Pizza Dispute Over Gloves Led To Shooting
During questioning, Charles Leggett allegedly told police he became upset because the worker making his pizza wasn’t wearing gloves and demanded that someone else prepare it. He claimed the argument escalated, saying Owies “became loud” and threatened him — prompting him to shoot. Leggett admitted to firing one round, running off, and later throwing away the clothes he was wearing. Now, with his conviction set in stone, what started as a simple food order has become a devastating story of senseless violence that took a new father’s life.
Jury Delivers Quick Verdict In Heartbreaking Case
A Milwaukee County jury didn’t need long to make up their minds. Furthermore, after less than 30 minutes of deliberation, Leggett was found guilty. His charges include first-degree intentional homicide with a dangerous weapon and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Additionally, he will be sentenced on December 17 and faces a mandatory life sentence.
