On a tragic day in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the life of 14-year-old Demetrius R. Thomas, a Black male, was cut short. On April 27, 2020, Demetrius, known affectionately as "Meechy" to his loved ones, was found deceased inside a home near 12th and Hadley. He was remembered as a fun and funny young man who always enjoyed play fighting with his friends and family.
His death was part of a horrific event that claimed the lives of four other people.
Inside the residence, investigators discovered a scene of immense loss. Along with Demetrius, four others had been fatally shot. The victims included his 41-year-old mother, Teresa R. Thomas, his 16-year-old sister, Tera R. Agee, as well as 17-year-old Lakeitha M. Stokes and 19-year-old Marcus G. Stokes. A toddler was also found unharmed inside the home. The community was left in shock and mourning, gathering to leave balloons and stuffed animals as a memorial to the five lives lost.
The grim discovery was made after a 43-year-old man, Christopher Stokes, called 911 and chillingly informed the dispatcher, "Uh, I just massacred my whole family." When officers arrived at the scene, they found Stokes sitting on the front steps. He reportedly confessed to the killings, telling the officers, "Yeah, I didn't hear them, I did them." Investigators found a shotgun inside the home, believed to be the weapon used in the killings.
Christopher Stokes was arrested at the scene and subsequently charged with five counts of first-degree intentional homicide and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon. It was revealed that Stokes was in a relationship with Teresa Thomas, the mother of Demetrius and Tera. Marcus Stokes was identified as Christopher Stokes' son. Family members described the relationship between Stokes and Teresa Thomas as tumultuous. Stokes had a criminal history that included convictions for battery and domestic abuse.
