Triple shooting at El Rey on Cesar Chavez; 2 people confirmed dead

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- At around 10:21 a.m. on Saturday, July 9, Milwaukee police and emergency services were called to El Rey grocery store at 916 S. Cesar E. Chavez Dr.

During an altercation, a suspect fired shots at the victim, a 59-year-old man, striking him with gunfire. He died of his injuries. 

An armed security guard fired shots at the suspect, striking the suspect. The suspect died due to his injuries, and as of now has not been identified. 

An unintended victim, a 41-year-old Milwaukee woman, was also struck by gunfire and sustained minor injuries.

The suspect's gun was recovered at the scene.

A frequent shopper at El Rey who was on the scene spoke with CBS 58 but declined to give her name.

"Honestly at first I was distraught and paralyzed because I couldn't think that this would happen in our community," she said.

She said everyone who lives nearby in the surrounding Latino community in the neighborhood shops at El Rey.

"It's a family store, it's a family business that has been here more than 30 years, and it's unfortunate that this is a reality we have had to come to," said the woman.

The Milwaukee Medical Examiner confirmed that two people were pronounced dead at the scene.

For people living in the neighborhood, it's a grim experience of gun violence in America.

"It encapsulates everything like the fears, the emotions, everything that's going through everyone's minds because once you hear this it's like okay it'll never happen in my neighborhood...But once you get the notice or the breaking news, it's like oh my goodness, what can I do to help?" asked the woman.

El Rey released a statement regarding the shooting:

“We are devastated by the violent act which led to a senseless loss of life this morning.  This horrible event not only happened in the community we love, but outside of our grocery store. Our deepest appreciation goes out to the security team, who bravely put their lives on the line to prevent this tragedy from escalating and potentially becoming an even worse situation.  And we thank each first responder as their actions helped to stabilize the scene and our neighborhood. We are proactively working with law enforcement as they conduct a standard investigation.  Due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, we cannot provide further comment at this time.  Just know that the entire El Rey family is heartbroken by this senseless act and thankful for the support of our community.”

This investigation is ongoing and will be referred to the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office for review.