Intoxicated Milwaukee Teen Kills Two in New Year’s Day Crash

Kelly Duke, 17, stole his uncle’s red Chevrolet Malibu on Sunday, January 1, at around 6 a.m. and took off at high speed, driving under the influence. Traveling northbound on 27^th Street and arriving at the intersection with West St. Paul Avenue, where a silver Nissan Maxima was waiting at the red light, Duke lost control of the Malibu. The car struck a concrete island on the southeast corner of the intersection, went airborne and landed on the Nissan, sheering off the car’s top.
Ed and Jean Thaves had just left Potawatomi Casino, ready to enter the interstate on their way back home to New Berlin. Edward Thaves was 61 years old and the owner of a chemical company in Muskego. His wife, Jean M. Thaves, 52, also worked at the company. They died instantly when Duke hit their car.
When police came to the scene of the crash, they found Kelly Duke’s brother who told them his brother had been driving. Kelly Duke had fled the scene on foot but police arrested him later at his home.
Kelly Duke was charged Wednesday with seven felonies, including two counts of homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle. He is held in the Milwaukee County jail with a $110,000 bail.
The attorneys of Hupy and Abraham send their most heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Jean and Edward Thaves.

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