Christian Martin, 18, allegedly shot 15-year-old Nelson Manuel López Correa in the head after a confrontation involving Martin's ex-girlfriend
On November 8, 2024, the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office filed a criminal felony charge against 18-year-old Christian Martin in connection with the October 28 shooting death of 15-year-old Nelson Manuel López Correa. López Correa, who sustained a gunshot wound to the head, succumbed to his injuries days later.
Following the announcement of the charges, a felony arrest warrant was issued for Martin on November 11. He is now facing a charge of first-degree intentional homicide with the use of a dangerous weapon. If convicted, Martin could be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
According to the criminal complaint, the tragic events unfolded on the afternoon of October 28, 2024. López Correa was at a bus stop located in the 1600 block of W. Forest Home Avenue, accompanied by a girl he was dating and another teenage male. Martin, who had previously dated the girl, approached the group.
The complaint indicates that Martin had spoken with the girl the day before the incident. However, upon seeing her with López Correa, Martin reportedly initiated a conversation with her. The girl, in turn, informed Martin that she no longer wished to continue their relationship. Allegedly angered by the rejection, Martin struck the girl on the side.
As the girl and López Correa remained at the bus stop, Martin is said to have shot López Correa from behind without warning, hitting him in the head. After the shooting, the girl fled to a nearby gas station for safety.
The criminal complaint further reveals that police recovered surveillance footage from the scene of the shooting. The video allegedly shows Martin shooting López Correa, with the girl fleeing the area shortly afterward.
Additionally, the other male teen who had been with the group told investigators that he had briefly gone home to check the bus schedule. As he was returning to the bus stop, he heard a gunshot and saw López Correa collapse. According to the witness, Martin had already fled the scene by the time he arrived.
In the wake of this senseless killing, López Correa’s family and the local community are demanding justice for the teenager. His family has organized a peaceful march scheduled for November 16, 2024, to raise awareness and show support for justice in his name.
The event will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the intersection of S. 16th Street and W. Forest Home Avenue. Around 10:40 a.m., participants will march to the Milwaukee Police Department's District 2 Station, located at 245 W. Lincoln Avenue. The march is expected to attract a large number of community members who are committed to seeking justice for the young victim.
Christian Martin's arrest and subsequent charges have drawn significant attention to the dangers of escalating interpersonal conflicts. If convicted, Martin faces severe legal consequences, with a potential life sentence. The case has also sparked wider discussions on the consequences of violence and the steps that can be taken to prevent such tragedies in the future.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with further information about the incident to come forward. The Milwaukee Police Department has yet to provide additional details about the circumstances leading up to the shooting, and the investigation remains ongoing.
The community's response, coupled with the legal proceedings, highlights the urgent need for justice and serves as a somber reminder of the far-reaching impact of violence on families and neighborhoods. As the case moves forward, all eyes will be on the courtroom to see how the justice system responds to the devastating loss of Nelson Manuel López Correa.
