Neighbors heartbroken as 12-year-old shot dead; teenager arrested

MILWAUKEE – A 12-year-old was killed by gunfire Saturday afternoon near North 48th St. and W. Center St. in Milwaukee.

Milwaukee police said a 15-year-old boy was taken into custody in connection with the shooting. The Public Prosecution Service will assess the charges in the coming days.

“My heart broke knowing it was a child,” said neighbor Precious Pully. “No one wants to bury their child, especially because of violence.”

As Pully watched police process the crime scene a few houses down from her own home, she thought about the advice she gave her children.

“Be safe, don’t run in the street, respect everyone, and if you hear gunshots, get on the ground,” Pully said.

Still, she believes that despite the violence, the families who call the neighborhood home are peaceful. Pully told TMJ4’s Tahleel Mohieldin that neighbors are trying to do their part and take care of each other, but need help.

That’s why she and others in the area are asking police to be more proactive in their community.

“They don’t just come here to check on the kids,” Pully explained. “When I was a kid they handed out baseball cards, we were always happy to see the police.”

Milwaukee police said they are investigating the fatal shooting. The 12-year-old child was rushed to Children’s Hospital after the incident on Saturday, but did not survive.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Milwaukee Police at (414) 935-7360, or to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (414)224-Tips or P3 Tips.

Milwaukee police also responded to two other unrelated fatal shootings around noon on Saturday N. 11th St and W. Atkinson Ave and another in the evening close by N. 18th St. and W. Capitol Dr.

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