In the early morning of June 25, 2015, Jay Ro, a 48-year-old man, was fatally shot in his home on Milwaukee's west side, near 30th and Cherry streets. Ro, a father of four who had immigrated with his family from Burma several years prior, was known as a dedicated family man and an active member of his community. The tragic event unfolded when two men rang the doorbell of his residence.
One of Ro's children opened the door, at which point the men forced their way into the home.
The intruders tricked Ro's 11-year-old son into opening the door by claiming they were there to fix the house. Once inside, they demanded money. In a courageous act to protect his child, Jay Ro confronted the intruders and was shot during the struggle. He was pronounced dead at the scene. His son later said, "My dad saved my life."
The Milwaukee Police Department launched an investigation that led to the arrest of one of the suspects, 22-year-old Mickey Singarath, on July 28, 2015. Surveillance footage showing a black Chevy Envoy, which was later traced to Singarath's mother, was instrumental in identifying him. According to police reports, Singarath admitted to his involvement in the crime, stating that the intention was only to rob the family and that he did not mean to shoot or kill anyone. He expressed remorse for his actions.
Singarath told investigators that he and a second suspect drove to Ro's home in the early morning hours. He claimed the second suspect pointed out the house, saying there was money there. After gaining entry, Singarath said he was waving his revolver in the air and demanding money. A struggle ensued with Ro, during which Singarath fired his gun, striking Ro in the chest. The two men then fled the scene. Singarath was charged with felony murder. He pleaded not guilty to the charge and was bound over for trial.
