Crime Stoppers Crime of the Week: $20K reward offered for information in homicide of Riverwest activist

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MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A local activist shot and killed in broad daylight has shocked the Riverwest community.

Now, people from all over the country are supporting him by donating anonymously to Milwaukee Crime Stoppers to help bring his killer to justice.

Now there is a near $20,000 reward for anyone who comes forward with information.

Milwaukee police say moments after the suspect was seen walking near Bremen and Wright, they shot Bernell Trammell and killed him.

"This was an execution, you walk up behind somebody, stand approximately six feet away, approaches him from the back, fires several rounds in his direction, killing him and then just walking away," said MPD Captain Craig Sarnow. "It's an execution style homicide."

Crews tried to save 60-year-old Trammell, but he died on scene. 

Surveillance captured images of the suspect riding away from the scene on a bike.

"It is a very distinct outfit, very distinct bicycle. The individual we believe is a male has a very distinct walk and is familiar with the area and the community," said Reggie Moore of the Office of Violence Prevention. "Somebody out there knows who he is. I think it's important that justice is found in this case. Bernell was someone who was known in the community. Many people saw him around standing for different causes, and regardless for the reason of this heinous crime, this was a public assassination in broad daylight."

The shooting happened right outside of Trammell's business, where he made his religious and political beliefs clear, including his support for President Donald Trump.

While many fear this could be a motive, police still don't know for sure.

"Regardless of what he stood for, no individual in this community deserves to be harmed and killed in this way."

Many in the community have raised their concerns about this homicide.

Since July 23, when it happened, anonymous tips have flooded Milwaukee Crime Stoppers' phone line.

Now, investigators are hoping a nearly $20,000 reward will motivate the community even more to call 414-224-8477 or use the P3 Tips app.

"The Office of Violence Prevention is glad that Milwaukee Crime Stoppers exists and was started because it's critically important that people feel they can provide information safely," said Moore. "We know that healing in our city moves at the speed of justice and so to the degree that the individuals involved in this assassination can be brought to justice, the sooner that can happen, the better."


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