Expert discusses cumulative effects of gun violence after at least 6 shot in Milwaukee in 1 day, including 3 teens
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee police say three teens were injured in a shooting near 87th and Hampton just after 6 p.m. Monday night, July 20. The victims, a 13-year-old, 15-year-old, and 16-year-old, arrived at an area hospital for treatment of non-fatal gunshot wounds.
Reggie Moore is the director of community safety policy and engagement at the Medical College of Wisconsin. He told us, "Research has stated that an individual impacted by gun violence actually has a ripple effect that affects a minimum of 50 people."
That's a lot of people affected by gun violence after at least six victims Monday in four different shootings and at least two more Tuesday.
All the shootings are non-fatal, but the damage goes beyond just the physical.
Moore said, "It has psychological impacts, it has emotional impacts, in addition to the physical impact of a firearm."
Moore said people respond to threats in different ways: some by committing violence themselves, others by carrying firearms for protection, and others by being afraid to go outside.
"We just won't let our children play in the backyard because of incidents like this," said Yolanda Thomas, who lives near where the triple shooting happened.
Surveillance video from a nearby house shows a pickup truck stopping at the alley, then taking off. It's unclear if the teens were in the truck or in the alley; they took themselves to a hospital.
Thomas told us, "We do have issues over here at this little apartment complex. But, for the most part, we feel safe."
That triple shooting was the first of four incidents Monday scattered throughout the city.
At least two more shootings happened Tuesday evening.
Still, so far this year, non-fatal shootings are down 25% from last year and homicides are down 31%.
Moore said, "Although it may seem as if violence is inevitable, when we look at it as a public health issue, we understand that it is preventable."
Thomas, the neighbor, wants more for young people to do.
"It is a safe community, but there needs to be more for our youth to do over the summer when school is out, more opportunities for them to work, or become engaged, and to learn, during their time off of the summer," she said.
Many experts agree but add shootings are not confined to young people.
The average age of a shooter in Milwaukee is 28, and Moore says gun access and policy solutions are adult issues.
He said every non-fatal shooting costs the city an estimated $644,000 in scene investigation, prosecution, incarceration, and tax revenue lost.
Every homicide costs $2,000,000.
"The return on investment and prevention and intervention is clear," Moore said.
The circumstances surrounding the triple shooting remain under investigation.
Milwaukee police are seeking information to identify a suspect. Anyone with information is asked to contact MPD at 414-935-7360, or to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 414-224-TIPS.
Resources for victims of domestic violence can be accessed through Asha Family Services.