Two in custody after teens shot, killed have been released

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The two men who were taken into custody after two teens were shot to death on Milwaukee’s north side have been released pending the District Attorney's review of the investigation.

A 19-year-old male and a 17-year-old female were shot at an apartment building near 27th and Vliet St. on Milwaukee’s north side Wednesday afternoon, March 12th. The teens were pronounced dead at the scene. A third person, a 20-year-old man, was taken into custody following the incident.

FOX6 News has learned there was an argument between a 39-year-old maintenance worker and the three individuals. The argument escalated and eventually, one person was beating the maintenance man with a baseball bat while the other two held the man down. That’s when the maintenance man pulled out a gun and shot the teens.

The man had a concealed carry permit.

"We'd better wait to see what actually happened," said Wisconsin Pro-Gun Movement founder Jim Fendry. "Did he actually have to use the firearm to end the threat? Or did he use it after the threat had ended?"

The 39-year-old maintenance worker was taken into custody at the Milwaukee County Jail in connection with the shooting. FOX6 News has learned the man gave a statement to police Friday, March 14th.

"The individual refused to make a statement until he talked to an attorney. That's what people are taught to do when they take concealed carry classes. Make sure you're represented because you could misspeak and be charged," said Fendry.

Milwaukee police on Thursday identified the 19-year-old as James Bell, Jr. and the 17-year-old as Anmarie Miller.

A representative from the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office says the case is under review by their homicide unit — but there is no word yet about possible charges.