MILWAUKEE — There are still two more months of 2020, but according to numbers from the Milwaukee Police Department, we’re on pace to a set a new record number of homicides this year. It could happen in just days after a violent weekend in the city brought us closer to that grim milestone.
These days it’s hard for Beverly to recognize the place she’s lived her whole life.
“I was born and raised here and it was very peaceful. People were loving, people were concerned about each other you know, your neighbors see your porch broke and come fix it,” Beverly said. “It was one of the safest cities in this country and to see it come to where it is now, it can be very depressing.”
Milwaukee police said as of Oct. 22, there have been 157 homicides in the city. By TMJ4 News’ count, as of Sunday afternoon, there have been 159, making the city just six shy of the record set in 1991 of 165 homicides.
The most recent ones happened just blocks away from each other in Beverly’s neighborhood.
“I don’t know what it’s going to take, I really don’t, because you’ve got churches that are praying and people are praying,” Beverly said.
Shattered glass sits on the porch near 41st and Vienna where police say a man broke into a home and shot two people.
One of them, a 61-year-old man, was killed. The other, a 41-year-old man, was seriously hurt, according to a woman who told TMJ4 News she’s his mom. She also said the 61-year-old was a family friend visiting her son.
About four hours earlier and a little south of there, police said a 48-year-old man was shot and killed by 42nd and Fond du Lac.
Anthony Leeper said it happened at the gas station on the block.
“I just wish everybody realizes we’re hurting each other. We’re making it a dangerous environment for each other, for our kids,” Leeper said.
He himself was shot two years ago, and is thankful to still be here, but he said the gun violence is out of control.
“It shouldn’t be a point to where people losing their lives is normal you know,” Leeper said.
Both he and Beverly said something needs to change.
“I hope it stops for the sake of the generations that are coming up behind me,” Beverly said.
Investigators are still looking for suspects in the two homicides. If you have any information about what happened, call the Milwaukee Police Department at (414) 935-7360 or send an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at (414) 224-TIPS or P3 Tips App.
