Anita Louise Smith, a 29-year-old Black/African American woman, was tragically killed on the evening of October 11, 2024, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The incident occurred at approximately 9:45 p.m. near the intersection of 25th and Kilbourn. Smith was at home with her 10-month-old baby, having just laid down to sleep, when multiple gunshots were fired from outside her residence. She was struck by the gunfire and pronounced dead at the scene.
A witness inside the home reported hearing the shots, feeling the impact of broken glass, and attempting to shield the infant, only to discover that Smith had been fatally wounded.
Investigators discovered multiple bullet strikes on the exterior of the house, with at least two rounds having penetrated the windows of the room where Smith was located. The investigation into her death quickly developed leads, aided by surveillance footage from the neighborhood. This footage captured a man leaving a nearby apartment building 25 minutes prior to the shooting, walking towards Smith's home, firing several shots, and then returning to the same apartment building. The video provided a clear image of the shooter's face. In the days following the homicide, a tip was provided to law enforcement identifying the shooter by the nickname "Mook."
This crucial piece of information led authorities to 34-year-old Olijejuan Jelks, who was known to the Milwaukee Police Department to use the alias "Mook." Jelks was positively identified from the surveillance footage by his probation agent and several acquaintances. On November 1, 2024, police located and apprehended Jelks near 15th and Fond du Lac. During his arrest, officers witnessed him make a movement near his waistband, and they then heard the sound of a heavy metal object hitting the pavement. A handgun was subsequently recovered from the area.
Olijejuan Jelks has been charged with first-degree reckless homicide and two gun felonies in connection with Anita Smith's death. He is currently being held in the Milwaukee County Jail on a $200,000 bond.
