Convicted of homicide: Second suspect in playground shooting killed teen in 2003



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- 18-year-old Sylvester Lewis -- officially charged in connection with the playground shooting that seriously injured 10-year-old Sierra Guyton made his initial appearance in court on Thursday, May 29th. This, as FOX6 News is learning more about the second suspect in this case -- one day after he was taken into custody.

FOX6 News has learned, like Lewis, the 28-year-old suspect is no stranger to the criminal justice system.

The man hasn't yet been officially charged in connection with the playground shooting incident -- but he was convicted for killing a teenager in 2003.

He was sentenced to 10 years in prison and eight years of extended supervision.

That shooting took place about a block away from the playground near 28th and Clarke -- where Sierra Guyton was shot.

According to the criminal complaint in that homicide case, the victim, 17-year-old James Gibbs, loaned a gun to the suspect.

Gibbs tried to get it back on May 17th, 2003 -- near a home off of 28th Street, but that gun was used against him.

"Knowing that it was my brother, I was pissed. It hurts," Gibbs' brother, Germme Gibbs said.

"We are still mourning about him, and it's been many years ago. It wasn't right. Justice needs to be served," Gibbs' cousin, Tenika Shannon said.

Gibbs' brother says the family learned James Gibbs' killer was out of prison this past summer.

What they are now finding out is that he's now a suspect in a playground shooting that left a 10-year-old girl seriously injured.

The incidents are about 11 years apart -- but the playground shooting is only yards away from the murder that the now 28-year-old suspect was on extended supervision for.

"He's out pulling guns and doing all this. What type of supervision was it? It could have all been prevented. It's ridiculous," Gibbs' brother, Germme Gibbs said.

"He never learned his lesson," Gibbs' cousin, Tenika Shannon said.

A criminal complaint against Sylvester Lewis says a confrontation between Lewis and the 28-year-old suspect led to shots being fired near the playground at 28th and Clarke.

10-year-old Sierra Guyton was shot in the head.

She remains hospitalized.

"I'm quite sure that family feels the same way (we do)," Tenika Shannon said.

Gibbs' family is blaming the criminal justice system.

"This little girl would be out there playing right now. (Her family) wouldn't have to go through this," Germme Gibbs said.

The 28-year-old suspect in the playground shooting has been referred to the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office for charges.

CLICK HERE to read a collection of stories related to the shooting of 10-year-old Sierra Guyton via FOX6Now.com.