Itavian Belcher, a 22-year-old from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, died on October 9, 2014, following a series of violent incidents. According to police, Belcher was involved in an attempted robbery during which he shot a 30-year-old woman. The woman, who was taken to a hospital, suffered an injury that was not life-threatening and underwent multiple surgeries as part of her recovery.
After shooting the woman, Belcher attempted another robbery a short time later, which led to him being shot himself. He managed to make his way to a gas station near 95th and Brown Deer Road, where he collapsed and sought help before succumbing to his injuries.
The circumstances of Belcher's death are somewhat disputed by his family. While police and neighbors identified him as the gunman in the initial shooting, his family and friends argue that his character was misrepresented. They claim that Belcher was not a criminal and that there are discrepancies in the official account. For instance, the medical examiner's report indicates that Belcher was shot at a residence on 95th Street by a suspect who fired a handgun at him and another victim.
Belcher's family, particularly his mother Tiffany and great aunt Alice, have been actively seeking answers and justice. Tiffany Belcher has been researching the case herself and has been working to clear her son's name. The family has also organized community efforts, including a prayer gathering at the gas station where Belcher died, and have posted flyers throughout the city in hopes of gathering information that could lead to the arrest and conviction of his killer. A $20,000 reward has been raised for any information leading to the capture of the person responsible.
Alice Belcher, who is associated with Christian Woman Perspective Ministries, has used this tragedy to advocate for reducing gun violence in Milwaukee. She has proposed various initiatives, including employment programs, recreational activities, intervention strategies, and a review of the acquisition of legal guns, all aimed at addressing the root causes of violence in the community. Itavian Belcher was remembered as a standout basketball player who had attended college on a scholarship, though his family feels the education system failed to prepare him adequately.
