In the spring of 2019, the life of 45-year-old Donald E. Thomas, a Black/African American male, was cut short following a dispute that began inside a Milwaukee tavern and spilled out into the street. The altercation, which ultimately led to his death on April 18, 2019, was reportedly captured on surveillance video, providing investigators with a clear sequence of the tragic events.
The incident began inside Ed's Lounge, located near 5th and Center, where Thomas was involved in a physical
altercation with bar staff and another woman. After being escorted out of the establishment, the conflict was far from over. The woman involved in the fight inside the bar was the stepdaughter of Michael Allen Teague, a 52-year-old man who was at another nearby bar, Throttle Twisters, at the time.
According to prosecutors, a witness to the fight inside Ed's Lounge went across the street to inform Teague about the incident involving his stepdaughter. Teague was then seen on surveillance footage retrieving a gun from his truck. He proceeded to follow Thomas after he left the vicinity of the bar. Shortly after, gunshots were heard, and Teague was seen getting back into his truck and driving away from the scene. Donald E. Thomas was fatally shot.
In the wake of the shooting, Milwaukee police launched an investigation that quickly led them to identify Michael Allen Teague as the primary suspect. He was subsequently arrested and faced serious charges for his alleged role in Thomas's death. Prosecutors charged Teague with one count of first-degree reckless homicide and another count for felony firearm possession. His bail was set at $150,000. Thomas's family was left to mourn their loss, describing him as a funny and good person, and called for an end to senseless gun violence.
