In the early morning hours of January 3, 2017, the life of 18-year-old Stephanie Jones, a Black / African American female, was tragically cut short in her Milwaukee home. The young mother was shot and killed by Hakeem Tucker, the 20-year-old father of her child. The incident unfolded around 2:15 a.m. at a residence near 41st and North, where Tucker entered the home through a window.
Jones's mother witnessed Tucker's entry into her daughter's bedroom and alerted the family.
A struggle ensued between Tucker and Stephanie's 54-year-old father. During the altercation, Tucker, armed with a semi-automatic pistol, broke free and shot Jones's father, seriously injuring him. Immediately after, Tucker turned the gun on Stephanie and shot her in the chest. She succumbed to her injuries at the scene despite life-saving efforts. Her mother was able to flee with her grandchild, fearing Tucker intended to harm everyone in the house. Prior to the fatal shooting, Tucker had reportedly been stalking and threatening Jones.
Two days later, Milwaukee police officers on patrol identified a suspicious vehicle near 72nd and Capitol and found Hakeem Tucker inside. During the arrest, Tucker produced a loaded pistol, pointed it at an officer, and yelled, "Shoot me! Shoot me!" The officers were able to disarm and apprehend him without firing their weapons. It was later revealed that Tucker was on probation for a 2015 armed robbery at the time of the murder.
In September 2018, a jury convicted Hakeem Tucker on four counts, including first-degree reckless homicide for the death of Stephanie Jones and first-degree reckless injury for the shooting of her father. He was subsequently sentenced to a total of 50 years in prison, followed by 20 years of extended supervision.
