In the early hours of a Tuesday morning in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the life of Gregory J. Fabian, a 41-year-old White male from the nearby suburb of Greenfield, was tragically cut short. On March 15, 2022, at approximately 2:50 a.m., Fabian was shot and killed near the intersection of 79th Street and Fiebrantz Avenue. Despite lifesaving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
He was a father and grandfather, described by his loved ones as strong, brave, outgoing, and loyal.
The investigation into Fabian's death began after Milwaukee police officers in the area heard three to five gunshots. They observed a silver four-door sedan speeding away from the scene and soon discovered Fabian's minivan with its front passenger wheel on the curb. Inside, they found Fabian, who had sustained seven gunshot wounds. Detectives recovered four. 40 caliber casings from a grassy area near the minivan. Surveillance video from a nearby car wash showed a suspect's vehicle stopping next to Fabian's van for a moment before driving off. Authorities were able to obtain a license plate number from this footage.
The investigation quickly led to a suspect, Donvonta Pearson of Milwaukee. On March 19, 2022, the Milwaukee Fugitive Apprehension Unit located Pearson at a residence near 91st and Silver Spring. He was taken into custody as he was leaving an apartment carrying a car seat with a young child.
In April 2023, Donvonta Pearson pleaded guilty to second-degree reckless homicide and possession of a firearm by a felon. According to the criminal complaint, Pearson told detectives that he had gone to 79th and Capitol alone. He stated that Fabian had pulled up next to his car, and during a transaction, Fabian snatched three grams of crack cocaine without paying and attempted to drive away. Pearson claimed he then grabbed a gun and fired two rounds. In August 2023, Pearson was sentenced to 20 years in prison, to be followed by 10 years of extended supervision.
