City of Milwaukee records 100th homicide this year, after 17-year-old shot and killed on the north side
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- We're three-quarters of the way into 2024, and as of Monday, the city of Milwaukee has recorded at least 100 homicides so far this year.
According to Milwaukee police, the number is still less than what was recorded at this same point in 2023.
A crime map shows homicides are down nearly 40% compared to the last two years -- and in 2023, there were 172 homicides, which was also down from the 215 in 2022.
Currently, 101 homicides have been recorded, with the hundredth happening on Sept. 23, when a 17-year-old boy was shot and killed by a 51-year-old man on the city's north side.
The 101st occurred just hours later, when a 41-year-old man was fatally shot near 22nd and Capitol.
On Wednesday, Mayor Cavalier Johnson addressed the gun violence epidemic, noting that he and others are doing "a lot of work in terms of prevention and accountability in Milwaukee."
"Many times, those homicides occur because individuals who shouldn't have their hands on guns in the first place have far too easy access to those guns," Mayor Johnson told CBS 58. "My call is the same as it ever has been. That's to individuals at the state of Wisconsin and individuals in Washington D.C., our representatives in both of those governments, to do more to make sure that folks who shouldn't have their hands on guns don't have their hands on guns because when they do, what happens is we have situations where folks end up losing their lives unnecessarily."
The mayor added that he is "always saddened" when violence takes another life.
"I consistently call on the folks on the other side of the equation, in the prosecutorial area, to make sure they hold criminals accountable when they hurt people and kill people," Mayor Johnson said.
In Milwaukee County, the medical examiner's office has reported 121 homicides so far this year.
Milwaukee's Office of Community Wellness and Safety sent CBS 58 a statement in response to the 100th homicide, which reads in full:
The Office of Community Wellness & Safety would first like to extend our condolences to families and loved ones affected by homicides and the violence in 2024. The statistic of 100 homicides underscores the violence that has affected our communities, families, and neighborhoods; we must not lose sight of the work that continues behind the scenes.
Part of Milwaukee’s community violence intervention initiative is the operation of MKE Promise Keepers, Critical Response Team, and the 414 Life teams who are committed to promoting equity by providing resources to the community, specifically in marginalized areas known as Promise Zones. The teams that respond to incidents are highly trusted by the neighborhoods they serve due to their extensive local canvassing and engagement efforts.
Every life lost is a tragedy that reverberates through our community. According to the Milwaukee Homicide Database, homicides are trending downward by 38% by comparison from last year. We must come together to address the underlying issues contributing to violence and continue to work towards meaningful solutions.
Community leaders, law enforcement, and public health officials are calling for urgent action to address the root causes of violence, including economic disparities, access to mental health resources, and community engagement.
The City of Milwaukee remains committed to fostering a safer environment for all its residents.