21-year-old man charged in fatal barbershop shooting
MILWAUKEE -- 21-year-old Jeremy Pierce has been charged in connection with a fatal shooting at a barbershop on Wednesday, November 21st. Pierce faces one count of felony murder, and could face up to 35 years in prison -- even though he wasn't the one who pulled the trigger.
A memorial outside "Hair Fantasies" barbershop is indicative of the tragic incident that occurred inside on Wednesday, November 21st.
According to a criminal complaint, the doors were locked when suspects, later identified as Clemon Ferguson and Jeremy Pierce knocked. When a customer opened the door for the pair, he noticed one suspect was carrying a gun. The customer claims the suspect pointed the gun at him.
The customer tried to knock the weapon away and a shot was fired. The customer then pulled a gun from his holster, and began firing. Ferguson was struck and died, and Pierce was injured.
The complaint indicates that following the altercation, Pierce fled the scene on foot, and discarded his gun near his home.
When police arrived on the scene they found the body of Clemon Ferguson on the floor of the barbershop. He was pronounced dead at the scene. A autopsy on Ferguson determined that he died as a result of gunshot wounds to the head and neck.
According to the criminal complaint, Pierce reported to the District 5 police station on Wednesday, and claimed he had been shot while walking on the sidewalk in the area of North Avenue and Martin Luther King Drive. Pierce told police that a man approached him from behind and attempted to rob him. Pierce then claims he heard a gunshot, realized he had been shot and than ran to the police station to report the incident.
Authorities say on November 22nd, Pierce, while in custody at Froedtert Hospital being treated for his gunshot wound, admitted that he did not sustain his gunshot wound after being approached my a man on the sidewalk near North Avenue and Martin Luther King Drive.
Cari Kuehmichel said she is thankful the barbershop's customers and staff are safe, but concerned over the violence. Pierce reportedly admitted the two entered the shop with plans to commit a robbery because they needed quick money. Their alleged plans were foiled, but Kuehmichel says this incident is a sobering reminder to be on guard.
"I think it was a good thing (the customer) was able to take care of the situation, but I'm not really in favor of the conceal and carry. It makes me nervous, knowing it could have gone the other way. I think it makes us more aware, knowing we're going to be here later in the evening. We'll be more careful and just make sure the doors are locked," Kuehmichel said.
Pierce faces a felony murder charge in this case because he allegedly caused Ferguson's death while attempting to commit an armed robbery. The customer involved is not facing charges, as the death was ruled self-defense.