In the early hours of May 28, 2023, a violent encounter in Milwaukee cut short the life of 47-year-old Tavaris Thomas, a Black male. The incident, which also resulted in the death of 43-year-old Erick "KRA" Edwards, unfolded near the intersection of 37th and Townsend Streets shortly after midnight. Both men were rushed to a local hospital after sustaining gunshot wounds, but neither survived their injuries.
The events leading to the fatal shooting reportedly began with an argument
between a man and two women. As the confrontation escalated, Erick Edwards intervened in an attempt to de-escalate the situation. The man, identified as 29-year-old Curtis Piggee, is said to have then produced a firearm. Witnesses reported that Piggee fired a warning shot into the air before turning the weapon on Edwards, shooting him. In the ensuing chaos, Tavaris Thomas was also shot.
Following an investigation into the double homicide, law enforcement officials arrested Curtis Piggee. He has since been charged with two counts of first-degree reckless homicide and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon. His cash bond was set at $150,000 during his initial court appearance. The community has been left to mourn the loss of both men as the legal proceedings against the accused get underway.
