Crime Stoppers Crime of the Week: 25-year-old man killed during drug deal near 54th and Melvina

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A Milwaukee man was killed during a drug deal but detectives say the people involved in the transaction aren't the suspects. Now, police need your help to find the men they believe killed the victim outside of his home in broad daylight. 

It was 11:30 a.m. on April 21, when Milwaukee police say Roberto Velez was shot multiple times. He walked out of his house near 54th and Melvina to sell marijuana to a couple of friends when two strangers started trouble. 

"The actors were not involved in the drug deal. It's possible they were in the area looking for a car to steal. They had an exchange of words and the suspects started firing at Roberto," said Detective Jeremiah Jacks, Milwaukee Police Department. 

Detective Jeremiah Jacks says when the suspects started shooting, he shot back. The other two people waiting to buy weed in the car drove off to escape gunfire. 

"They ultimately did come back and called 911 and reported what they saw to police," said Det. Jacks. 

The 25-year-old died from his injuries at Froedtert Hospital. 

"We are suspecting that there are additional witnesses out there that heard the shots and seen some people running getting into a car and can provide us additional information," said Det. Jacks.  

Police have no suspects, and no surveillance video; only a vague description of two Black male suspects. They're hoping someone will remember what happened that day and come forward to give Velez's family answers. 

"People involved in this type of crime generally do talk about it with a friend or loved one that something went wrong while they were committing a crime. We would hope that person would reach out to us through Crime Stoppers and give us a tip that we need," said Det. Jacks.  

If you know anything about who shot Roberto Velez, call Milwaukee Crime Stoppers at 414-224-TIPS. You can also use the P3 Tips App. Remember your call is always anonymous and if your tip leads to an arrest you get a cash reward.