In the winter of 2022, a family argument in Milwaukee escalated into a tragedy that left a father dead and his son facing a long prison sentence. Ricardo Perkins, a 40-year-old Black / African American male, was shot and killed on Tuesday, January 25, 2022. The incident that led to his death unfolded in the afternoon near 99th and Appleton.
According to accounts from family members present, Ricardo was involved in an argument with his 22-year-old son, Rayshawn Perkins.
Witnesses reported that Rayshawn had been diagnosed with mental health disorders and had been experiencing more frequent outbursts. Several people attempted to intervene and separate the father and son. After they were separated, Rayshawn went back inside their residence, only to emerge moments later from the front door.
Rayshawn then ran along the side of the house, where he confronted his father again. A witness heard him say, "I'm tired of this," before he fired a single shot, striking Ricardo in the head. Although Ricardo Perkins was carrying a handgun in his waistband, he did not have it in his hands when he was shot. After the shooting, another individual at the scene took the gun from Rayshawn and called for help.
Police arrived to find Ricardo Perkins lying on the ground in the back of the residence. He was transported to a hospital shortly before 2 p.m. but was declared dead just after 6:30 p.m. that evening. An autopsy confirmed he died from a gunshot wound to the head. Rayshawn Perkins was arrested at the scene and was subsequently charged with first-degree reckless homicide. He later pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of second-degree reckless homicide and was sentenced to 13 years in prison, followed by eight years of extended supervision.
