16-year-old shot and killed working at Burger King near 51st and Capitol
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee police are investigating a fatal shooting late Sunday night, Jan. 2.
According to authorities, a 16-year-old girl sustained life-threatening injuries following a shooting incident near 51st and Capitol around 10:25 p.m.
The victim was transported to a local hospital, and later pronounced deceased.
The circumstances leading up to the incident appear to be a business robbery, and are still under investigation.
Family identified the victim as Niesha Harris Brazell. They say she was working at Burger King when she was shot during the armed robbery.
This is Niesha. Family and friends say she was working at Burger King last night when she was shot and killed during an armed robbery. She was only 16-years-old.@CBS58https://t.co/9gkwqIiPzM
— Gabriella Bachara (@GabbyBachara) January 3, 2022
Milwaukee police released photos of the suspect accused in the shooting. He's described by authorities as an African American male with a heavy build. He was last seen wearing a red hooded sweatshirt, tan pants and face mask.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Milwaukee police at (414) 935-7360 or Crime Stoppers at (414) 224-Tips or P3 Tips App to remain anonymous.
Meantime, acting Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson released the following statement on the shooting:
“Last night’s shooting death of a 16-year-old girl is a horrible tragedy, made worse by the circumstances the police have shared with me.
“This victim appears to have been a hardworking teenager with her future bright and ahead of her. Instead, that light has been snuffed out by senseless gun violence. I offer my deepest condolences to her family and friends.
“Gunfire does not solve problems; it does not offer the protection that people imagine; and, too often, there are unintended, innocent victims. Milwaukee can be a safer city, and an important part of increased safety is stopping those who use guns to show-off, to threaten, or to deal with their problems.”
A Burger King spokesperson said the Burger King franchise is cooperating with authorities on the investigation.
"We are aware of and saddened to hear of the fatal shooting involving a team member at this location. Our deepest condolences go out to the victim’s family and friends during this devastating time," a spokesperson for Burger King told CBS 58 in an email.