Greg "Ziggy" Zyszkiewicz, a 64-year-old White/Caucasian male, was a dedicated City of Milwaukee employee for 33 years, working as a housing inspector. On March 22, 2017, while on duty, his life was tragically cut short in a senseless act of violence. Around 2:00 p.m., Zyszkiewicz was seated in his vehicle on the city's north side near 23rd and Cherry Streets when he was shot and killed.
The devoted husband and father was found deceased in his car, the victim of a fatal gunshot wound to the head.
The investigation into Zyszkiewicz's murder quickly led authorities to three suspects: Eric Smiley, then 21, Deshaun Scott, 17, and Qhualun Shaw, also 17. It was determined that the trio was part of a carjacking crew and had targeted Zyszkiewicz in an attempt to steal his car. Prosecutors stated that the three were involved in a crime spree that day which included an earlier carjacking. During the attempted carjacking of Zyszkiewicz, Scott fired a shotgun, killing the long-time city worker.
Within days of the murder, Milwaukee police arrested the three suspects. They faced multiple charges, including felony murder and armed robbery. The legal proceedings that followed painted a grim picture of a violent crime that shook the community and highlighted the dangers faced by city employees. Deshaun Scott, identified as the shooter, was ultimately sentenced to 30 years in prison. Eric Smiley, considered the ringleader of the group, received a 32-year prison sentence. Qhualun Shaw was sentenced to 25 years in prison for his role in the crime. The convictions and lengthy sentences brought a measure of justice to the family of Greg Zyszkiewicz, a man remembered for his selfless nature and dedication to his family and community.
