In the summer of 2020, a young Black/African American man named Isaiah K. Goodrum, aged 19, had his life cut short in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. A recent graduate of Bradley Tech High School, Isaiah was on the cusp of his future, with plans to attend Milwaukee Area Technical College. He was known by loved ones as an amazing kid who was cherished by his family and friends, someone who enjoyed playing basketball, bowling, and video games.
His cousin remembered that he was well-loved, while a friend recalled how his smile could brighten up a gloomy day.
On the evening of July 29, 2020, at approximately 9:40 PM, Isaiah was shot near the intersection of 50th and Hadley streets. Following the shooting, he was transported to the Milwaukee Police Department's District Three station, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries. The news reached his family in a particularly devastating way; his mother only learned of the tragedy the following day. She had seen a news report about the shooting but had no idea the victim was her own son until she was unable to reach him and began her own inquiries.
In the wake of the shooting, Milwaukee police initiated an investigation that led to the arrest of three suspects. The individuals taken into custody were a 16-year-old boy, an 18-year-old woman from Wauwatosa, and a 19-year-old woman from Brookfield. According to Isaiah's mother, these teenagers were not friends of her son, leaving the circumstances that brought them together that fatal night unclear to the family.
While arrests were made, the motive for the shooting was not immediately released by authorities as the investigation continued. The community mourned the loss of a young man full of promise. His family and friends gathered for a vigil and a heartfelt balloon release at the site of the shooting to honor his memory, grappling with the sudden and violent loss. His cousin cautioned other young people to be aware of who they consider friends, reflecting on the tragic circumstances that led to Isaiah's death.
