Man sentenced to 21 years in prison after fatal accident in which Danari Peer died

MILWAUKEE – A reckless driver was sentenced to 21 years in prison Friday after hearing emotional testimony from the family of a young man who died in a 2022 car crash.

Jaiquann Quintrell McMurtry, 22, was sentenced to 21 years in prison and 16 years of extended probation.

McMurtry is accused of driving at more than 100 mph while his friend Danari Peer was in his car. In October 2022, he crashed into a tree and Peer died.

The crash occurred near Appleton and Lancaster, not far from Timmerman Airport.

McMurtry was arrested on charges of involuntary manslaughter, possession of cocaine, and multiple counts of jumping bail. A jury found him guilty of second-degree involuntary manslaughter, operating a vehicle without the owner's consent, and three counts of jumping bail. He was acquitted on one count of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute.

At the sentencing on Friday, Danari's family asked the judge to hold Jaiquann accountable and send a clear message to other reckless drivers on Milwaukee's streets.

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“My life has changed forever. My son was killed,” said Nicole Byrd, Danari's mother. “He was a 20-year-old who was never ashamed to give me or his father a kiss. We kissed him. We kissed that little boy,” she said through tears.

“There was no remorse,” said Jackie Peer, Danari's father. “For three years we had to interrupt the grieving process while we fought for justice for our son.”

Danari's grandmother also spoke during the sentencing. She turned to Jaiquann and asked the judge for a harsh sentence.

“This person doesn't deserve to see sunshine or daylight. He made a choice and sped through a residential area at 109 miles per hour. He didn't care about the lives of others. Danari had to pay the ultimate price; so should he (Jaiquann),” said Elona Peer, Danari's grandmother.

In court, Jaiquann chose not to speak.

Peer's family said they are demanding justice for Danari and asking the court to send a message to other criminals on the streets of Milwaukee.

“We pray every day that we arrive at our destination unharmed. Judge, we are tired of living in fear,” said Byrd. “Hold McMurtry accountable and show all the other criminals on these streets that their actions have consequences.”

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