In a tragic turn of events on October 1, 2016, 18-year-old Hispanic male Carmelo Silva Jr. was fatally shot in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The incident unfolded near 24th and Becher Street during what was reportedly a planned marijuana transaction that escalated into a violent robbery.
According to accounts of the incident, Silva and another individual had arranged to sell marijuana to 21-year-old Treneel Bankston.
They picked up Bankston and proceeded to a residence in the area to complete the deal. Once inside, Bankston allegedly brandished a handgun and attempted to rob Silva and the other man. A struggle ensued over the firearm, during which the gun discharged multiple times.
Silva was struck by the gunfire but managed to flee the residence. He sought help at a nearby store, "South Avenue Foods," where he collapsed, covered in blood, and told a witness he had been shot before emergency services were called. Despite life-saving efforts, Silva succumbed to his injuries at the store. The other individual involved in the initial struggle was also shot in the face and shoulder but survived his injuries.
During the altercation inside the home, Carmelo Silva Sr., the victim's father, intervened after hearing the gunshots. He reportedly grabbed a sword to defend against the armed assailant. In the ensuing struggle, Bankston was stabbed in the abdomen with the sword, and Silva Sr. was struck over the eye with the weapon. Bankston then fled the scene.
Police later located Treneel Bankston approximately three blocks away, bleeding from a serious abdominal wound. He was taken into custody and subsequently charged with felony murder in connection with Carmelo Silva Jr.'s death. Bankston pleaded not guilty to the charge and was set to stand trial.
