'Help is available': Expert offers domestic violence prevention resources after Brown Deer shooting

BROWN DEER, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office has identified the suspect and two victims of a shooting at a Brown Deer apartment complex

The office identified the victims as 31-year-old Michael Anderson and 23-year-old Arieuna Reed. The suspect, 26-year-old Larvell Huddleston, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the medical examiner's report.

Brown Deer police were called to the the Park Plaza apartments on Saturday, Feb. 5, for a shots fired call. Officers said when they arrived at the scene, the suspect fired at them. No officers were hit but a squad car was hit while a K-9 was inside.

The report says both victims died in the parking lot while the suspect died inside his apartment. A 36-year-old man was injured in the incident.

Police said the shooting stemmed from a domestic dispute, and Huddleston knew at least one of the victims. Police said it appears the other victims were trying to help.

"The important message is: If you're hurt or hurting someone else, there's help available," said Carmen Pitre, president and CEO of Sojourner Family Peace Center.

Pitre said domestic violence is too prevalent in the community, and it has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. She said the pandemic has made it more difficult for others to witness domestic violence because people are so isolated at home.

"We need to intervene when we have suspicion that something's going on, when we see bruises or things that don't quite make sense," she said. "We need to make it easy for survivors to come forward, and we also need to make it easy for people who are hurting others to get the help they need."

Police said there was a child inside the apartment at the time of the incident.

"The problem with homicide is it's tragic, it's hurtful, it's hard for families. It creates a legacy now for for this child. (And) it robs our community of life and talent and possibility," Pitre said.

Pitre encouraged survivors to reach out to a family member, friend, pastor, coworker or someone else in their life. But she said it can also be difficult to talk to someone they know, and they can always call the center's 24-hour domestic violence hotline.

She has three messages for survivors: "You're not alone. It's not your fault. And we're here to help."

She also said people who are hurting others need help, as well. She encouraged them to call/text the hotline, call the Alma Center or call a friend or family member.

Sojourner Family Peace Center has a 24-hour domestic violence hotline. You can call (414) 933-2722 or text (414) 877-8100.