Sean Chaney, a 24-year-old man from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was shot and killed on March 26, 2023, inside an apartment building near Popuch Park. The incident began when Chaney arrived at the building demanding to retrieve his property. According to a criminal complaint, a resident called 911 to report that Chaney had broken into her apartment and was harassing her. Chaney himself also called 911, claiming he was there to collect his belongings and was being denied access.
Police responded to the scene earlier in the evening and cited Chaney.
Later that night, another 911 call was made by the same resident, indicating that Chaney had returned with another person and requested their removal from the property. Just over an hour after this call, police were alerted that Chaney had been shot. He was found in the hallway with two gunshot wounds to his chest. Reports indicated that Chaney had a full-sized AR-15 rifle tucked into his waistband at the time of the shooting.
David Simms, a 25-year-old man who was present during the incident, was arrested and charged with first-degree reckless homicide. Simms admitted to shooting Chaney, stating that he acted in self-defense after both men pointed firearms at each other. He claimed he shot Chaney when he refused to leave. Simms initially faced serious charges but was later found not guilty at trial on February 28, 2024. The case has raised discussions about self-defense laws and gun violence in Milwaukee, highlighting the complexities surrounding such tragic incidents. As of now, no further arrests have been reported related to this case.
