'Angels on Earth': 2 dead in Racine following New Year's shooting inside Rerun's Lounge

 

Updated: 10:06 a.m. on Jan. 3, 2023

RACINE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Authorities on Tuesday, Jan. 3, identified the victims killed in a Racine bar shooting as 66-year-old Avery T. Stewart of and 56-year-old Billy Petty -- both of Racine. 

Published: 1:40 p.m. on Jan. 1, 2023

RACINE, Wis (CBS 58) -- Less than three hours into the new year, police say two were killed in a shooting inside of a Racine bar. 

According to a news release, officials responded to a call around 2:30 in the morning on Sunday, Jan. 1 by 11th St. and Washington Ave.

When they arrived, Racine police say they encountered a "chaotic scene" inside of Rerun's Lounge but did not give further details.

Later, officers confirmed two people were shot dead. 

Per a statement, the names of victims are not yet being released, however family, friends and bar regulars identified them as owner Avery "Rerun" Stewart and Billy Petty.

“He was a great guy and Rerun, they were angels. Both of them was angels on Earth," said a man named Walter who called himself a frequent patron of the lounge. "I talked to him that day. I pray for Rerun's family and Billy's family."

Currently, no one has been taken into custody. 

The Racine Police Department is urging and requesting any and all persons who were inside of the bar at the time of the shooting to come forward with any information about this incident.

Any witnesses, or people with information, are urged to call the Racine Police Department Investigator Mueller at 262-939-3071 or Investigator Lauer at 262-721-2951.Those who wish to remain anonymous may contact Crime Stoppers by phone at (262) 636-9330, or through the Crime Stoppers app by using the p3 app.