In the early morning hours of December 26, 2016, a day meant for holiday cheer, tragedy struck on the north side of Milwaukee. Tajah Williams, a 22-year-old Black / African American female, was discovered near 41st Street and Vienna Avenue around 2:10 a.m., suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency services transported her to a local hospital, but she succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead.
The incident was quickly ruled a homicide, leaving a community in mourning and a family searching for answers.
Tajah was a student at Mount Mary University, studying biology with aspirations of becoming a doctor. Beyond her academic pursuits, she was a beloved mentor at a local after-school program called Purposeful Play, where she was affectionately known as "Coach Taj." For nearly two years, she guided children aged 5-12, teaching them basketball, tennis, and cheerleading, providing a safe and positive environment. Her sudden and violent death sent shockwaves through the university and the community she served, with many remembering her as a beautiful spirit who was full of life and dedicated to helping others.
In the days following the shooting, the Milwaukee Police Department announced an arrest in connection with Tajah's murder, bringing a glimmer of hope to her grieving loved ones that justice would be served. However, this hope was short-lived. In early January 2017, the police announced that the male suspect taken into custody had been cleared and released after it was determined he was not responsible for the crime.
As of the latest available information, the Milwaukee Police Department's investigation into the death of Tajah Williams continues. They are still searching for a motive and the suspect or suspects responsible for her death. The case remains a painful and unanswered question for a family and community that lost a vibrant young woman with a promising future.
