Purcell A. Pearson, a 22-year-old recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, tragically lost his life on February 6, 2021, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Pearson was fatally shot during a Facebook Marketplace transaction where he was attempting to sell designer glasses. According to the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office, Pearson died from two gunshot wounds, one to his chest and another to his back.
The investigation revealed that Pearson had been selling designer
glasses for several months. About a week before the incident, Pearson and his brother posted Cartier glasses for sale online. They were contacted by a person using the name Pablo Fernandez, who expressed interest in purchasing the glasses. On the day of the incident, Pearson met with the buyer, who claimed the glasses were not tight enough and wanted to buy two pairs for $500. After returning to his apartment to adjust the glasses, Pearson met the buyer again, at which point he was shot and killed.
Two suspects were identified and charged in connection with Pearson's murder. Tyrell Joseph and Ismael Moreno were both charged with first-degree reckless homicide as parties to a crime. Joseph, who was driving the van involved in the incident, pleaded guilty to second-degree reckless homicide as part of a plea agreement and was sentenced to nine years in prison, followed by six years of extended supervision. During his sentencing, Joseph expressed remorse for his actions, acknowledging that his actions led to Pearson's death.
Ismael Moreno, the second suspect, was on the run for over a year before being apprehended in California in May 2022. He was found guilty of first-degree reckless homicide and is awaiting sentencing, facing a maximum of 60 years in prison. The investigation also revealed that the suspects had used a blue Toyota Sienna minivan, which was identified through surveillance footage and linked to Joseph's family.
Pearson's death has had a profound impact on his family and community. His grandmother, Anne Johnson, spoke during Joseph's sentencing, expressing the immense pain and loss the family has experienced. The case highlights the dangers associated with online transactions and the devastating consequences of violence.
