MILWAUKEE — A 20-year-old Milwaukee woman was killed in what appears to have been a shooting sparked by an argument, near Northridge Mall Friday morning, police say.
Family identified the woman as Elexis Gridiron. They say her ex-boyfriend shot her.
Milwaukee police said in a statement that first responders pronounced Gridiron dead around 9 a.m. near 76th and Brown Deer.
With heavy hearts, friends and family gathered outside of the apartment where they say Gridiron was killed.
An older cousin on the scene told TMJ4 News Gridiron worked as a certified nursing assistant and stayed to herself.
Family says they heard from her Friday morning and that it was a friend who was on Facetime with her who heard the gunshots.
Milwaukee activist Vaun Mayes and his team were there to deescalate anything that may happen. At times, emotions flared as family members were overcome with sorrow.
"We are not in a good place," Mayes said. "I've been saying that for a while since COVID."
According to Milwaukee Police, 11 women have been killed in domestic violence-related homicides this year. Nearly triple the number at this time last year, when the city saw four.
Mayes said this staggering increase calls for elected officials to step up.
"We need more people to get involved in the process. We need our attorney general," Mayes stated.
But, more importantly, provide more resources for those in domestic-related situations.
"This is an issue that needs enhancements around support and loss for men and women who deal with this," Mayes said.
Investigators are trying to find unknown suspects.
An autopsy is scheduled for Monday.
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 App.
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MCMEO responding to the homicide of an adult female in the 9000 blk of N. 75. @MilwaukeePolice investigating. Autopsy on Monday.
— Medical Examiner (@mkemedexamine) August 12, 2022
