In the late hours of a summer evening in Racine, Wisconsin, on August 8, 2020, a young Black / African American man named Guillermo Martinez, 23, tragically lost his life. The incident unfolded around 10:15 p.m. in the parking lot of Outbreak Billiards, located near Douglas Avenue and High Street. Police were called to the scene for a report of shots fired and arrived to find a chaotic scene with a group of people attempting to render aid to Martinez.
Despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene from gunshot wounds to his left arm and torso.
The individual identified as the shooter, Edward Sanders, Jr., a 31-year-old from Racine, was found by investigators inside the billiards hall. Sanders himself had called 911 and informed the authorities that he had placed his gun on the bar. According to the criminal complaint, the confrontation began when Sanders and his brother confronted a group of people, including Martinez, about allegedly reaching into Sanders' car. An argument ensued, during which Sanders claimed his brother was "sucker-punched" by two individuals.
Sanders told investigators that in response, he drew his handgun, for which he claimed to have a valid concealed carry permit, and told the group to back away. He stated that Martinez then ran at him, and he shot him in the shoulder, asserting that he was not trying to kill him. However, video footage from outside the establishment reportedly contradicted Sanders' account of being attacked or assaulted. The video showed Sanders retrieving a handgun and pointing it at witnesses. It depicted him engaging with Martinez before shooting him. Following the incident, Edward Sanders, Jr. was arrested and charged with first-degree intentional homicide and use of a dangerous weapon.
