Three Homicides in Three Hours Rattle Milwaukee; Courthouse Guard Among Victims

MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin — A three-hour span on Friday evening left three people dead in separate acts of violence across the city, including a longtime Milwaukee County courthouse security guard, according to local investigators.

The first fatal shooting occurred just after 5:00 p.m. near Chattanooga and Chambers. Police say someone fired several shots into a vehicle, killing 56-year-old Dennis Johnson, a public safety officer at the Milwaukee County Courthouse.

“Every senseless killing is a tragedy. However, because Johnson was a member of our family, this one hits home,” said Milwaukee County Sheriff Paul in a statement. The sheriff’s office confirmed Johnson was a longtime officer with the department.

Johnson’s family described him as God-fearing, hardworking, and family-oriented. Authorities taped off the area for nearly five hours. A witness who spoke to reporters said he heard about eight gunshots.

“For this to happen so close… we have issues on the local side. We do typically have issues on the light side, but for the most part, we are very much so tight knit. Everyone takes care of each other type of community,” the witness said. “Unfortunately for the suspect in this, you are surrounded by cameras, you know, so hopefully justice will be served.”

As of Saturday morning, police said no arrests had been made in the case.

Meanwhile, a second deadly shooting investigation was underway near 58th and Brentwood. The medical examiner confirmed they were called to the scene, and one person died. Police have not yet released further details.

Also on Friday, officers responded to a homicide near 63rd and Flores, where a 64-year-old victim died from blunt force trauma injuries. Investigators are still looking into what led up to the deadly beating. No arrests have been made in that incident.

In addition to the three homicides, a 15-year-old is recovering after being shot near 18th and Galena. Police said the teenager is receiving treatment at a hospital. No word has been released on what led to that shooting, and no arrests have been made.

According to police crime data through May 3rd, Milwaukee has recorded 35 homicides so far this year, down from 42 at the same time last year. Nonfatal shootings have also dropped, with 113 reported this year compared to 161 during the same period last year.