On a Sunday evening in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, what began as an illicit transaction ended in tragedy for David J. Stange, a 26-year-old White / Caucasian male. On April 24, 2016, Stange and another individual were in a vehicle on West Good Hope Road, reportedly to purchase pills. Following the transaction, their vehicle was followed by another car with darkened windows.
Suddenly, the quiet of the evening was shattered by the sound of approximately seven gunshots being fired into their truck.
In the chaotic moments that followed, the driver of the SUV carrying Stange slammed on the brakes, executed a U-turn, and sped to a nearby McDonald's parking lot, desperately seeking help. Both Stange and the other passenger had sustained very serious injuries and were rushed to a local hospital. The following day, Monday, April 25, 2016, David J. Stange succumbed to a gunshot wound to the head. The second victim remained hospitalized for treatment of his injuries.
The Milwaukee Police Department's investigation into the double shooting quickly pointed to the illegal drug deal as the precursor to the violence. Their search for suspects led them to 18-year-old Shomeek Johnson of Milwaukee. Johnson was subsequently arrested and charged in connection with the shooting. In early May 2016, a court found probable cause for him to stand trial for his alleged role in the incident that cut David J. Stange's life short. The driver of the vehicle Stange was in, who was not injured, initially was not entirely truthful with police, reportedly out of fear, and faced the possibility of charges as well.
