Nov. 13, 2025 5:15p
(WGTD)---Two convicts serving life sentences for murders that were committed in the Kenosha/Racine area are among 14 inmates who received commutations Friday from Gov. Evers. The commutations are the first that have been issued since Gov. Tommy Thompson was in office.
DeQuelvin Douglas was 15 years-old in 1995 when he shot and killed a man and wounded another in Kenosha. Evers' commutation moves Douglas' parole eligibility date from 2056 to 2029, meaning that future members of the state's Parole Commission could consider Douglas for supervised release at that time.
In documents provided by Evers' office, Douglas, now 47, is described as someone who took full advantage of numerous employment, education, counseling and volunteer opportunities, and has gone on to share his experience with at-risk youth. Letters of support included one from a retired Department of Corrections Sergeant who said Douglas is someone who "truly deserves a second chance."
The other inmate from the area to receive a commutation Friday was Wazir El-Amin, formerly known as Wade Curtis. He was 18 in 1989 when he fatally shot the boyfriend of one of his ex-girlfriends in Racine. Now 55, El-Amin was made parole-eligible immediately. El-Amin's prison resume listing his accomplishments is just as long as Douglas'. He's already secured employment with a construction company upon his hoped-for release.
In a statement, Evers said making commutations available promotes rehabilitation and also encourages inmates to be accountable, take responsibility, make amends and seek forgiveness for their actions. Friday's commutations were recommended by the Governor's Commutation Advisory Board.
In a news release, Republican State Senator Van Wanggaard of Racine blasted Evers' decision, calling it an arrogant move that overrode the recommendations of judges, prosecutors and victims.
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