In the early morning hours of August 26, 2021, a dispute between a group of young women and a man escalated into a fatal shooting in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, claiming the life of 19-year-old Mercedes Celeste Hernandez. A member of the Menominee tribe, Mercedes was known to her loved ones as "Sadie-Butt". The events of that tragic night began with an act of retaliation.
Friends of Mercedes had damaged the vehicle of her boyfriend, 21-year-old Renzo Rascon-Gamboa, in response to him having previously damaged Mercedes' vehicle.
Later, as Mercedes and four of her female friends were in a car, they encountered Rascon-Gamboa. An exchange occurred, which led to a chase. During this pursuit, Rascon-Gamboa reportedly stopped his vehicle, exited, and opened fire on the car occupied by the young women. Mercedes, a passenger in the vehicle, was struck by the gunfire. Another 19-year-old woman in the car sustained a non-life-threatening injury. The friends immediately sought help, driving to meet with police. Despite their efforts, Mercedes succumbed to her injuries.
Following the shooting, an investigation was launched by the Milwaukee Police Department. The investigation identified Renzo Rascon-Gamboa as the sole suspect in the shooting. On September 7, 2021, he was formally charged with first-degree reckless homicide and use of a dangerous weapon, as well as first-degree reckless injury. However, before he could be apprehended, Rascon-Gamboa fled.
Authorities believe that Renzo Rascon-Gamboa remains at large and may have fled to Mexico to avoid prosecution. There have been alleged sightings of him in Veracruz, Mexico. A warrant for his arrest remains active, and law enforcement officials are continuing their efforts to locate and apprehend him. The case is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of gun violence and domestic disputes.
