Milwaukee chief of police notes uptick in gun negligence injuries, fatalities among young people

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Four young people between the ages of 2 to 17 years old have lost their lives this month because of a gun. This year, 15 people 17 years of age and under have been killed and over 100 have been injured.

The family of 9-year-old Harwinder Singh, who was shot and killed Monday night, say they're all too familiar with this kind of loss.

"When losing a child that you birthed, that's a pain that you cannot never let go away," said Latasha Holmon-Hodges, aunt of Singh.

Holmon-Hodges is all too familiar with the pain that comes with losing a loved one to a gun. Her nephew, lovingly known as Harry, was shot in a car July 24 near 76th and Mill. Thursday would've been the child's 10th birthday.

"He was a good kid, my sister raised some beautiful kids," said Holmon-Hodges.

Last year, she lost her son, Isaiah Tyquan Williams, 21, Feb. 1 near 12th and Burleigh. Holmon-Hodges said her son was shot in the back by Antonio Rollins. Rollins was charged with homicide; police are still looking for him.

"I just wish they could put the guns down, because I'm losing people," said Holmon-Hodges.

That sentiment is shared by Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman. He said they've noticed a new startling trend -- they've seen an uptick in young people either getting hurt or losing their lives because of gun violence.

"We're seeing that there's weapons that are being left unsecured in households, when we see weapons being unsecured inside vehicles where kids are able to get their hands on it. We’re seeing unfortunate, disastrous results behind that," said Chief Norman.

A 42-year-old Milwaukee man was arrested for negligence of a child causing death in the death of Singh. A 14-year-old boy was also taken into custody.

Holmon-Hodges is pleading with the public that guns are put down and away from youth.

MPD is requesting assistance from the public in locating Antonio Rollins, who is charged with the homicide of Isaiah Williams.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Milwaukee police at (414) 935-7360 or to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (414) 224-TIPS or P3 Tips.