'A kind soul:' Loved ones hold vigils for two teens shot, killed during birthday party Saturday on Milwaukee's south side

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Friends and loved ones gathered on Milwaukee's south side Saturday evening for a birthday party to celebrate Diego Herrera, who had turned 16 on Wednesday, June 12.

"He was happy," his brother, who asked to not be on camera, recalled. "I’d never seen him this happy before.”

Herrera's brother told CBS 58's Ellie Nakamoto-White he then left the festivities early to go to work.

“Probably like an hour into being on my shift I received a call from my cousin," he said. "He just breaks down the news to me and I’m like, I’m just torn apart.”

Milwaukee police responded to reports of gunfire around 8 p.m. on June 15 by the intersection of 9th Pl. and Manitoba.

There, they found a 15-year-old, a 16-year-old, and a 14-year-old with gunshots.

According to the medical examiner, one of the older teens died on scene and the other died later in a nearby hospital. The youngest suffered non-fatal wounds and was stable. 

While officials have not confirmed the names or genders of the victims, relatives said Herrera was the 16-year-old and his "best friend Isaac" was the other teen who had passed away.

"The other girl that got shot is my cousin, Emily," the brother said.

On Sunday, dozens placed memorial vigils for Isaac and Diego by the scene, filling them with candles, flowers, and pictures.

“He really liked basketball. He liked hanging out with his friends and cousins a lot," Herrera's brother said. “He had a kind soul.”

Now, the two families are left to grieve and mourn what is yet another act of senseless gun violence in the city. 

Police said they are still searching for unknown suspects as they continue their investigation.

If you have any information, contact the Milwaukee Police Department or Crime Stoppers at 414-224-TIPS immediately.

Meantime, a GofundMe has been created for the victims' families.