In the winter of 2016, a conflict simmering between two groups on the streets of Milwaukee would ultimately lead to the untimely death of Michael Schafrik, a 40-year-old Caucasian male. On the afternoon of January 5th, near the intersection of 10th Street and Lincoln Avenue, a verbal argument took a fateful turn. Schafrik had become involved in the dispute, which included his stepson.
The disagreement escalated from words to a physical confrontation.
Schafrik, who was armed with a handgun, became embroiled in a struggle with a 14-year-old boy. During the chaotic altercation, the gun discharged. The single shot proved fatal for Schafrik, and also wounded the teenager he was struggling with in the thigh. The authorities were called to the scene around 4:30 p.m., where they found Schafrik with a mortal wound.
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, Milwaukee police took three individuals into custody: the 14-year-old who had been in the struggle with Schafrik, another 14-year-old boy, and a 33-year-old woman. However, as the investigation unfolded, the narrative of the event became clearer to law enforcement. The evidence presented to the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office indicated that Schafrik had introduced the firearm into the physical altercation with the unarmed teenager.
After a review of the circumstances, the District Attorney's Office concluded that the 14-year-old boy acted in self-defense. Consequently, no criminal charges were filed against him or the other two individuals who had been arrested in connection with the incident. The death of Michael Schafrik was officially ruled as a justifiable homicide.
