Dale Young, a 48-year-old Black male, was a beloved father of four and a respected youth basketball coach in his Milwaukee community. His life was tragically cut short on the morning of July 7, 2023, in what appeared to be a drive-by shooting. The incident unfolded near 69th and Carmen Avenue, where Young was inside his white van. Surveillance footage from the area captured a red pickup truck pulling up alongside his vehicle, followed by the sound of multiple gunshots.
That morning,
Young was reportedly trying to help a family member, his niece, leave an abusive relationship. He was assisting her with moving out of a residence when an argument broke out between Young and his niece's ex-boyfriend. Following the confrontation, the ex-boyfriend contacted a coworker, 30-year-old Amardi Stotts. Shortly after this call, Stotts arrived in his red pickup truck.
As Young sat in his van, Stotts pulled alongside him and fired numerous shots, striking him 15 times. A neighbor heard the gunfire and rushed to Young's aid, attempting to comfort him until medical help arrived. Young was transported to a local hospital, but he ultimately succumbed to his injuries. His van, riddled with bullet holes, continued to roll down the street until it came to a stop against another vehicle.
Police quickly identified Amardi Stotts as the suspect and arrested him. The red pickup truck seen in the surveillance video was found at his residence. Stotts was charged with first-degree reckless homicide. In February 2024, he pleaded guilty to the charge. During his sentencing, Stotts expressed remorse for his actions. On April 1, 2024, he was sentenced to 30 years in prison, to be followed by 12 years of extended supervision. Despite the conviction, Young's family has expressed their belief that the ex-boyfriend should also face charges for his role in the events that led to the fatal shooting.
