Family of local dentist shot and killed in Brown Deer remembers his legacy of public service

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The family of a local dentist shot and killed in Brown Deer on Saturday is providing insight into what led up to the shooting.

Forty-one-year-old Akintunde Bowden spent the last 10 years of his life providing dental care to those who may not be able to afford it. His brothers, who are also dentists in the Chicagoland area, remember their brother as a gentle giant.

"The loudest guy in the room. Your biggest cheerleader. Your biggest supporter,” said brother Adeniji Bowden.

For Adeniji Bowden, his brother Akintunde Bowden has always been someone to look up to.

"Hope that they can see my brother through me,” said Adeniji.

For more than 10 years, Bowden spent his life dedicated to helping Milwaukee's underserved community the way he knew best. He provided dental care to those who may not have access to it, including inmates.

"He really loved his patients, poured into them. Used to have stories,” said brother Ogbonna Bowden. "So he always reached for people that didn't have as much or didn't have what we consider a fair chance."

Brown Deer police say Bowden was shot and killed Saturday night at an apartment building near Park Plaza Court and Brown Deer Road. A 27-year-old woman was arrested.

"You know, I never thought that the last time I saw my brother would be the last time I saw my brother,” said Adeniji.

Bowden's brothers say he asked the woman to turn her music down, and that's allegedly why she shot him.

"They don't make people in society with so much compassion and care anymore. Cost him his life, unfortunately. A minor, 'please turn down your music,'” said Ogbonna.

They hope to continue his legacy of public service – a life dedicated to helping others.

"Freedom is not free. And we have to have those kinds of people who are willing to put themselves out there to make us all better. And he was that kind of person,” said his dad, Nathaniell Bowden.

The woman who shot Bowden is expected to be charged in the coming days.