In the early hours of a Saturday in Milwaukee, the life of 21-year-old Hispanic male Victor Eros Basmirez was tragically cut short. On August 19, 2023, what began as just another night in the downtown area ended in a fatal act of violence. Around 3 a.m., near the intersection of Water and Highland, Victor was shot during what authorities later described as an attempted robbery. Responding officers found him in his crashed car, having already succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office officially confirmed his identity.
The investigation into Victor's death led police to identify a suspect, Nasir Johnson, who was 16 years old at the time of the shooting. Investigators released a surveillance image that showed Johnson looking directly at the camera while holding a pair of sneakers. This image proved crucial in identifying him as the person responsible for the senseless act of violence that took Victor's life. The evidence mounted against Johnson, leading to his arrest and subsequent legal proceedings.
Ultimately, Nasir Johnson was charged with the death of Victor Basmirez. In a plea agreement, he pleaded guilty to first-degree reckless homicide. The charge of attempted armed robbery was dismissed as part of this agreement. Johnson was sentenced to 22 years in prison, which will be followed by 18 years of extended supervision. Following the conviction, Victor's mother, Laura Basurto, expressed her profound grief, stating, "No matter the time frame, it still won't bring my son back. It hurts to even say that I won't be able to see him, hug him and hear him. He always had a smile on his face."
