Milwaukee father Christopher Sloan faces multiple felonies after October 2024 crash killed his 5-year-old son

A fatal crash on Milwaukee’s northwest side

A Milwaukee man, Christopher M. Sloan, was charged in Milwaukee County Circuit Court after a crash on Oct. 25, 2024, near West Hampton Avenue and North 81st Street that killed his 5-year-old son, Jaylen Sloan, and injured the child’s twin brother.

The criminal complaint alleges the crash occurred at approximately 8024 W. Hampton Ave. The vehicle involved was described in court records and prior reporting as an SUV that struck parked vehicles and then a tree. Jaylen Sloan later died from his injuries.

Charges filed: intoxicated driving, reckless conduct, and child neglect

Prosecutors filed six felony counts against Sloan in case number 2024CF005138. The counts listed in the charging documents include:

• Second-degree reckless homicide
• Second-degree recklessly endangering safety
• Homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle
• Homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle with a prohibited alcohol concentration
• Knowingly operating a motor vehicle without a valid license causing death
• Neglecting a child where the consequence is death

The complaint alleges Sloan was intoxicated at the time of the crash. The homicide-by-intoxicated-use counts carry sentencing provisions that include a mandatory minimum term of confinement in prison, with limited exceptions that must be stated on the record.

Key factual allegations in the complaint

Investigators allege witnesses observed the SUV shortly before the crash being driven at high speed and in an unsafe manner. The complaint and related accounts also describe circumstances suggesting impaired driving.

In addition to intoxication allegations, the complaint states the two 5-year-old children were in the vehicle at the time of the crash. The case includes a charge alleging the children were endangered through negligent failure to provide necessary care, resulting in death.

Where the case stands and what comes next

The filing of charges is an early stage in the criminal process and does not determine guilt. Court proceedings in felony cases typically include an initial appearance, a preliminary hearing to determine probable cause, and—if the case continues—a sequence of hearings that may lead to trial or resolution by plea.

Any sentencing outcomes would depend on convictions entered by plea or verdict and on decisions made by the court after reviewing evidence, statutory requirements, and arguments from both sides.

Milwaukee County court records identify the case as pending under the 2024CF005138 caption. Further hearings are expected as the case proceeds through the criminal court calendar.