On a late Tuesday night in Milwaukee, the life of Kenyon Thomas, a 25-year-old Black / African American male, was tragically cut short. The events of March 15, 2016, unfolded around 11:00 p.m. near 72nd and Florist, a scene that would soon be swarmed by the flashing lights of emergency responders. It was here that a physical family argument escalated to a fatal conclusion.
During the heated dispute, a struggle ensued over a handgun. In the chaos of the moment, Kenyon Thomas was shot.
Despite the life-saving efforts of Milwaukee police and fire personnel who arrived at the scene, the single gunshot wound proved to be fatal, and he died there.
The suspect in the shooting did not flee. A 15-year-old male relative of Thomas remained at the location and was taken into custody by the police. The teenager was awaiting a review of potential charges by the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office following the incident. The altercation that led to the shooting was described by authorities as a struggle for control of the firearm.
