MILWAUKEE — Around 100 people walked around a south side neighborhood on Friday afternoon following the fatal shooting of a 13-year-old girl.
Organizers of the community walk said trust between residents and police has broken down, and the event was an attempt to begin restoring the relationship and improving safety.
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The group hopes to prevent more tragedies like last Sunday's shooting near 5th and Rogers.
13-year-old Shanaria Wilson and her sisters were playing outside their home when someone opened fire. Police are investigating.
Shanaria died. Her little sister was also shot but survived. 10-year-old Shyier, along with family members, joined the community walk.
"Me and her, we was like best friends," said Shyier, who was shot four times. "We did everything together. Talked together. Walked together."
Shanaria's mother, Vieta Coldwell, said she appreciates the community support. But she feels "lost."
"They took my baby from me. I can't get her back," said Coldwell.
God Touch Milwaukee Pastor Marty Calderon said crime has been ignored in pockets of the south side for far too long. He wants residents to know they can reach out to police. But if they're concerned, they can also first speak with activists or faith leaders.
"I think we should've taken more interest before these incidents have happened. I think as leaders, we need to be held responsible for that. And we need to be out here supporting the community," said Marty Calderon, the executive director at God Touch Milwaukee.
Samuel Villafuentes grew up in the home just behind the house where the Wilson girls had been playing.
"It was tough growing up in the neighborhood. When you don't have that much," he said.
Villafuentes said he was impressed by Friday's turnout. He said he never thought that neighborhood would get that much attention.
"This example proves to Milwaukee, we are big in the community," said Villafuentes. "We're going to make a change. This is going to change one way or another."
