Milwaukee sees reduction in homicides, shootings during Memorial Day weekend

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – Milwaukee Police say this Memorial Day weekend marked a reduction in homicides and shootings.

Over the weekend, there were no gun-related homicides and six non-fatal shootings. Police say they are investigating a vehicle-related homicide.

"Just last year, we had four homicides, 17 non fatal shootings," Assistant Chief Michael Brunson said.

According to the department, over the past 14 years, the city has averaged 2.1 homicides and 9.7 non-fatal shootings during the holiday weekend.

This year marked the first time there were no homicides over the holiday weekend since 2012.

"Without the community, we couldn't solve as much as we could, or prevent future violent crimes from happening,"Captain William Beauchene said.

Milwaukee's Violence Prevention Director Reggie Moore says community members have stepped up.

"More people are getting involved. So instead of just criticizing from the sidelines, people are stepping up and saying, you know, I care about Milwaukee. I care about this city. I care about my neighborhood. I care about my block, and I want to see it better."

Moore said through 414 life and programs working with communities, the city has prevented 35 altercations this year before someone pulled a trigger.

"I think the credit is shared both by law enforcement, and the community stepping up."

However, the department says it recognizes that one victim is too many.

A 13-year-old and 17-year-old were among the six shooting victims. Moore said there is more work to do.

"This should not be an anomaly. This should be the norm. And the fact that we haven't had no homicides over Memorial Day in over 7 years says a lot."