In the early hours of July 8, 2020, the life of 28-year-old Diante L. Kilgore, a Black male, was tragically cut short in a shooting in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The incident occurred around 4:40 a.m. near 39th Street and Lloyd Street, an area adjacent to Washington Park. Kilgore sustained fatal gunshot wounds and succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Investigations into the shooting led to the arrests of two Milwaukee men, Devonte M. Phillips, then 29, and Terry L. Simmons, then 30.
According to the criminal complaint, the events leading to Kilgore's death began with a dispute at a residence. A witness stated that Phillips and Simmons were involved in an argument with Kilgore, which escalated and moved outside the home. Surveillance footage from the area captured Kilgore walking away from the residence when a silver SUV, identified as belonging to Simmons, approached him. The video reportedly shows Phillips exiting the vehicle and opening fire on Kilgore.
The complaint further details that after Kilgore fell to the ground, Phillips allegedly stood over him and fired additional shots. The SUV then fled the scene. An autopsy later confirmed that Kilgore had been shot multiple times. Both Phillips and Simmons were subsequently charged with first-degree reckless homicide as parties to a crime. Information regarding a specific motive for the altercation has not been widely publicized. The arrests and charges brought a measure of progress in the quest for justice for Diante Kilgore and his family, though the court proceedings would determine the ultimate accountability for his death.
