15-year-old charged in Washington Park fatal shooting

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A 15-year-old and 17-year-old -- both from Milwaukee -- have been charged in connection with shootings that happened in Washington Park during a Juneteenth celebration. 

A 17-year-old boy, identified as Sherrone Thornton, Jr. was killed during the incident.

Chief Deputy Daniel Hughes told reporters the shooting came after a Juneteenth concert had already been cut short by organizers because fights kept breaking out between "large groups of unsupervised youth."

According to a criminal complaint, drone video captured the incident. In it, a suspect identified as 15-year-old Noah Shotwell, was seen removing an object from under his sweatshirt, extend his arm and distinct muzzle flashes can be observed. 

Another suspect, identified as 17-year-old Onterio Girley, was seen in the crowd with a weapon. He allegedly can be seen on drone video firing the "switch," which makes a semi-automatic firearm function as a fully-automatic weapon. 

The complaint says, Girley ran from the scene and the detective followed him in an unmarked squad car. According to the complaint, the detective positioned his vehicle in a way to stop Girley, causing Girley to be hit by the vehicle. 

Girley was then taken into custody, and his firearm was located nearby. 

According to the complaint, during the incident, Shotwell was struck by gunfire. He was taken to Children's Wisconsin for treatment. 

At the hospital, investigators interviewed Shotwell who allegedly admitted to shooting Thornton, Jr. while he was on the ground. The complaint says Shotwell told investigators, "I had a gun, I shot the gun." 

Shotwell, according to the complaint, told authorities after shooting the victim he ran from the scene and realized he was shot. Shotwell told officials he put the gun in the center console of his vehicle and went with others to the hospital. 

During a second interview, Shotwell was shown the drone video from the event. Investigators say Shotwell identified himself in the video and again admitted he shot the victim. 

Shotwell allegedly said the shooting was a "mistake." 

Shotwell has been charged with first degree reckless homicide, as party to a crime. 

Girley has been charged with the following: 

  • First-degree recklessly endangering safety, use of a dangerous weapon
  • Possession of a firearm by adjudicated delinquent
  • Sell/possess/use/transport machine gun
  • Bail jumping

Both suspects are due in court for initial appearances Tuesday, June 25. 

Share this article:

CBS 58 Ready Weather Forecast