MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin — A violent three-hour span on Friday evening left three people dead in separate incidents across Milwaukee, including a longtime courthouse security guard, as investigators worked multiple crime scenes into the night.
The first deadly shooting took place just after 5:00 p.m. near Chattanooga and Chambers. Police said someone fired several shots into a vehicle, killing Dennis Johnson, a 56-year-old Milwaukee County Courthouse security guard.
Johnson had served as a public safety officer at the courthouse for many years. In a statement, Milwaukee County Sheriff Paul said, “Every senseless killing is a tragedy. However, because Johnson was a member of our family, this one hits home.”
Johnson’s family told reporters he was God-fearing, hardworking, and family-oriented. They are now seeking answers about what exactly happened. Police taped off the area for nearly five hours. A witness said he heard approximately eight gunshots.
“For this to happen so close… we have issues on the local side. We do typically have issues on the light side, but for the most part, we are very much so tight knit. Everyone takes care of each other type of community,” the witness said. “Unfortunately for the suspect in this, you are surrounded by cameras. Hopefully justice will be served in that aspect.”
As of Friday night, police said no arrests had been made in Johnson’s killing.
A second deadly shooting investigation was underway near 58th and Brentwood. The medical examiner confirmed they were called to the scene, indicating a fatality. Authorities have not yet released additional details.
Separately, police are investigating a homicide near 63rd and Flores, where a 64-year-old victim died from blunt force trauma injuries. Officers continue looking into what led up to the deadly beating. No arrests have been reported in that case.
In a separate incident, a 15-year-old is recovering after being shot near 18th and Galena. Police said the teenager is receiving treatment at a hospital. Investigators have not said what led to the shooting, and no arrests have been made.
According to police crime data through May 3rd, Milwaukee has recorded 35 homicides so far this year, down from 42 around the same time last year. Nonfatal shootings have also decreased, with 113 reported this year compared to 161 during the same period last year.