Boy, 12, Killed by Gunfire in Milwaukee, Friend Faces Charges
Boy, 12, Killed by Gunfire in Milwaukee, Friend Faces Charges
In a deeply sorrowful incident that has left Milwaukee’s north side in grief, a 15-year-old boy, Deondre Davis, now faces first-degree reckless homicide charges after a tragic shooting resulted in the death of his friend, 12-year-old Marquell Newburn. The shooting, which occurred in the afternoon on October 26 near the intersection of 48th and Clarke Streets, has sparked urgent community calls for action on gun safety among youth and heightened attention to the critical need for responsible firearm handling.
According to police and witnesses, Davis and Newburn, who were close friends, were in a stolen minivan with another youth when the shooting happened. Reports indicate that Davis had been handling a firearm inside the vehicle when it discharged, striking Newburn fatally. Witnesses recount that moments before the gun went off, Newburn had expressed alarm, urging Davis not to point the weapon at him. Unfortunately, his plea went unanswered, leading to a gunshot that ultimately claimed his young life. Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s reports confirm that Newburn was rushed to Children’s Wisconsin hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
The case is further complicated by Wisconsin's decision to charge Davis as an adult, underscoring the serious consequences of his actions. As per Wisconsin law, first-degree reckless homicide is classified as a Class B felony, which could result in a sentence of up to 60 years in prison if Davis is convicted. The charge may also carry an additional penalty of up to five years due to the use of a firearm in the incident. Local court officials have cited the severity of the crime and the pressing need for accountability as reasons for the adult charge, a move they hope will deter similar instances of recklessness among other teens.
Neighbors and friends of both boys have described the duo as inseparable, with one local resident, Jeffrey Dinkins, expressing disbelief over the tragedy. “They were like brothers. This feels like losing family,” he shared with CBS reporters. The community response has been a mixture of grief, frustration, and a renewed sense of urgency around addressing the root causes of youth violence and gun-related accidents. This incident has led to calls for local authorities and community leaders to intensify educational efforts on gun safety, especially focusing on the dangers and responsibilities associated with firearms among minors.
The Milwaukee Police Department and community leaders are pushing for reforms that might prevent further tragedies like this. Mayor Cavalier Johnson expressed his condolences and called on the community to support the families involved while advocating for greater gun safety education. He noted that many incidents involving minors and firearms stem from a lack of awareness and a need for more accessible resources on firearm handling.
Moving forward, the Milwaukee community is taking proactive steps to both honor Newburn’s memory and address the broader issues of youth violence and gun safety. Public vigils and discussions are being organized, aiming to foster open conversations about safe firearm practices and preventive measures. This includes outreach programs to engage parents, educators, and students alike, aiming to foster a shared responsibility for preventing future incidents.
As the case moves forward, community leaders and residents alike are hoping for healing, reflection, and a stronger resolve to protect their youth. They emphasize that while Davis’s case proceeds through the judicial system, the real impact of this tragedy is felt in the broken hearts of a community now united in grief and in the resolve to prevent similar heartbreaks in the future.
