BROWN DEER, Wis. — A prominent Milwaukee dentist was found dead from a gunshot wound late Saturday night, with a woman arrested at the scene.
Police responded to Park Plaza Court around 11 p.m. Saturday following reports of gunfire. Inside one of the units, officers discovered 41-year-old Dr. Akintunde Bowden, DDS suffering from a critical gunshot wound. Despite life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Dr. Bowden served as the director of dental services at Milwaukee Health Services, Inc. and was recognized with a Black Excellence Award in 2022 for his work with underserved patients.
Watch: Milwaukee dentist found dead, woman arrested at scene in Brown Deer
A 27-year-old woman was arrested at the scene. While authorities haven't confirmed her relationship to Dr. Bowden, they believe this was an isolated incident. No formal charges have been filed yet.
Milwaukee Health Services, Inc. provided the following statement:
It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that Milwaukee Health Services, Inc. (MHSI) announces the unexpected passing of our beloved coleague and Dental Director, Dr. Akintunde Bowden, DDS, who tragically passed away over the weekend.
Dr. Bowden was an integral part of the MHSI family for more than a decade, first joining the organization in 2014 after earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Illinois College of Dentistry. His exceptional dedication to providing quality oral health care to Milwaukee's underserved communities was matched only by his compassionate spirit and visionary leadership.
Throughout his tenure, Dr. Bowden remained fiercely committed to MHSI's mission of eliminating health disparities and improving outcomes for those most in need. His work focused on the integration of oral health with chronic disease management, an approach that proved critical for many of the patients served by MHSI, particularly those experiencing health, education, and economic disenfranchisement.
Dr. Bowden assumed the role of Dental Director in 2024, where he continued to inspire his team and uplift the lives of countless patients. Under his leadership, the dental department grew stronger in its service delivery and commitment to innovation in community oral health care.
In recognition of his profound impact and dedication, Dr. Bowden was honored with a Black Excellence Award in 2022 an accolade that speaks volumes about his character, contributions, and commitment to his community.
"Dr. Bowden embodied the very spirit of MHSI," said Tito Izard, MD, President and CEO of MHSI. "His legacy will live on in the lives he touched, the team he led, and the mission he championed. He was more than a colleague, he was family."
Dr. Bowden will be deeply missed, but his legacy of service, compassion, and excellence will continue to guide our work.
MHSI extends its heartfelt condolences to Dr. Bowden's family, friends, patients and all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him. Plans to honor his memory and celebrate his life will be shared in the coming days.
Brown Deer Police say the investigation remains active. Continue following TMJ4 for updates.
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