On a cold February day in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the life of 28-year-old Loren High, a Black male, was tragically cut short. On February 5, 2017, police were called to a residence near 24th and Vienna, where they discovered High's body inside. He had sustained a fatal gunshot wound to his chest.
The investigation into his death began to unfold, and suspicion soon fell upon Porsche Humphery.
A crucial piece of evidence found at the scene was a piece of glass bearing a white powdery residue, from which investigators were able to lift a thumbprint. This print was later identified as belonging to Humphery. Further suspicion arose when a witness informed police that Humphery had previously threatened to arrange for people to harm High.
When detectives interviewed Humphery, she provided conflicting accounts of her whereabouts and her knowledge of High's death, which contradicted statements from other witnesses. She also gave inconsistent stories about her handling of a firearm owned by the victim, a. 40 caliber he nicknamed "Betty." Although the murder weapon was never recovered, investigators did find two fired. 40 caliber cartridge casings in a closet at the scene. Evidence also suggested an attempt to conceal the crime, as a search of Humphery's home revealed a jacket and boots that were wet and smelled strongly of cleaning products. Police believed she had tried to wash away any incriminating evidence. Furthermore, data from her Gmail account placed her at or near High's residence on the evening of February 1st. On that same evening, High had sent a text message to another woman, stating he was having a "much needed conversation with my ex to get closure. Wish me luck."
Porsche Humphery was arrested and initially charged with first-degree reckless homicide. In a subsequent court appearance, she pleaded guilty to an amended charge of second-degree reckless homicide. On March 23, 2018, a Milwaukee County judge sentenced her to nine years in prison, to be followed by six years of extended supervision for her role in the shooting death of Loren High.
