In the city of Milwaukee, a life was cut tragically short on the afternoon of Saturday, October 26, 2024. Twelve-year-old Marquell Newburn, a Black / African American male, was fatally shot on the city's north side. The incident unfolded inside a minivan near the intersection of North 48th Street and West Center Street. Emergency services rushed Marquell to Children's Wisconsin, but he succumbed to gunshot wounds to his neck and chin about an hour after his arrival.
The events leading to
the fatal shooting involved a group of young people. Marquell was in the vehicle with three other individuals when the incident occurred. According to court documents and witness statements, a 15-year-old boy named Deondre Davis was handling a gun. When Davis pointed the weapon at Marquell, the younger boy reportedly told him not to point it at him. Shortly after, the gun discharged, striking Marquell in the face. A neighbor later expressed shock, stating that the two boys were good childhood friends.
In the wake of the shooting, the Milwaukee Police Department launched an investigation that quickly led to a suspect. Deondre Davis was taken into custody in connection with Marquell's death. On October 31, 2024, the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office filed charges against Davis, treating him as an adult in the criminal proceedings. He was charged with one count of first-degree reckless homicide with the use of a dangerous weapon.
The legal process moved forward, and Deondre Davis, then 16, eventually pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of second-degree reckless homicide. In July 2025, he was sentenced for his role in the death of his friend. The court ordered him to serve seven years in confinement followed by eight years of extended supervision. During the sentencing, Davis expressed remorse for his actions, stating he wished he could take everything back. Marquell's aunt, while expressing her anger and grief, also stated she would pray for the young man and his family.
