In the late hours of a Saturday night in Milwaukee, on October 26, 2013, the life of 38-year-old Michael Terry was tragically cut short. Near the intersection of North and Hubbard, the sound of gunfire echoed, and when police arrived at the 2300 block of N. Hubbard Street, they discovered Terry had been fatally shot. The initial investigation into the male victim's death began with no suspects in custody, leaving a sense of uncertainty hanging in the air.
The turning point in the case
came nearly a week later from what might have seemed like a routine traffic stop. In the 2500 block of N. Buffum Street, Milwaukee police pulled over a vehicle and discovered a. 40 caliber firearm inside. The driver was arrested for possession of the weapon, which was then sent to the state's Crime Lab for analysis. This procedural step would prove to be the key that unlocked the investigation into Michael Terry's death. Forensic examination revealed that the bullet recovered from Terry and four. 40 caliber casings found at the homicide scene were fired from the very gun seized during the traffic stop.
With the murder weapon identified, investigators began to piece together the events of that fatal night. The girlfriend of the man arrested during the traffic stop provided a crucial lead. She told police that she and her boyfriend had arrived at the scene of the shooting shortly after it happened and that a man named Drakkar Lobley had gotten into their vehicle. According to her statement, Lobley admitted that he had just been shooting the gun. Another witness, a juvenile who had been at a house party on N. Hubbard that evening, told police the party was breaking up because of altercations. She reported seeing Lobley fire two shots into the air and then multiple shots toward a silver vehicle after someone from that car fired at him.
Based on the evidence and witness testimony, 19-year-old Drakkar Lobley was arrested and charged with first-degree reckless homicide. In a subsequent court appearance, Lobley pleaded guilty to an amended charge of second-degree reckless homicide. For his role in the shooting death of Michael Terry, a judge sentenced Drakkar Lobley to 14 years in prison, followed by six years of extended supervision. The resolution of the case brought a measure of justice for the untimely death of Michael Terry.
