Matthew McMillan, accused in shooting death of 14-year-old Tariq Akbar, to stand trial

MILWAUKEE COUNTY -- A 15-year-old boy, accused in the shooting death of 14-year-old Tariq Akbar, which occurred after the July 3rd U.S. Bank Fireworks Show will stand trial in the case.

Matthew McMillan has been charged with first degree reckless homicide.

After hearing testimony in court on Thursday, October 22nd, a judge ruled there is enough evidence for this case to go to trial in adult court.

McMillan's lawyer is fighting that decision, and a hearing is scheduled for December that could result in McMillan staying in the juvenile court system.

Tariq Akbar

Tariq Akbar was fatally shot near the intersection of N. Lake Dr. and Kenilworth -- just moments after the fireworks show wrapped up.

Police say the shooting incident was the result of a fight over a girl on Facebook.

According to the complaint against McMillan, one witness told police he was with Akbar when "a group of about 12 males approached them and stated, 'What's up?'" The witness said "after the confrontation, he observed the subject, who he identified...as Matthew McMillan, holding a firearm." He told investigators, "This is the person that I saw shoot Tariq, I'm 100% positive."

Another witness told police in the complaint that while he was with Akbar, "a fight ensued with a group that called themselves the 'Bang Brothers.'" Police came by and broke up the fight. A short time later, the witness saw the "Bang Brothers" at the top of a nearby hill. The witness "observed the defendant armed with a firearm." He told investigators he saw "the defendant raise that firearm, and fire several times." The witness told police one of the bullets hit Akbar.

Immediately following the shooting, five officers in relay teams worked to save Akbar. The officers were able to get a pulse back, but Akbar died at Children’s Hospital.

An autopsy determined Akbar died as a result of a gunshot wound to the head.

Tariq Akbar killed in shooting near N. Lake Drive

 

McMillan's next hearing is scheduled for December 4th.