On March 12, 2014, 19-year-old James Bell and 17-year-old Anmarie Miller were fatally shot by a 39-year-old maintenance worker in an apartment building near 27th and Vliet streets in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The incident occurred during a confrontation in a stairwell, where Bell, Miller, and a third individual allegedly attacked the maintenance worker, reportedly over the eviction of a friend.
The maintenance worker, who possessed a concealed carry permit, claimed he was being beaten with a small baseball bat and feared for his life. In response, he drew his firearm and shot both Bell and Miller.
Following the incident, the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office reviewed the case and concluded that the maintenance worker acted in self-defense. Consequently, no charges were filed against him. The third individual involved in the altercation was arrested on suspicion of battery; however, details regarding any formal charges against this person were not specified in the available sources.
Family members of the deceased expressed grief and concern over the decision not to press charges against the shooter. Community activists called for the release of any video evidence to provide clarity and transparency regarding the events that led to the fatal shootings. Despite these appeals, the authorities maintained their decision, citing the maintenance worker's legal right to self-defense under the circumstances.
